Shelby County’s table is being set for the 2026 midterm primaries. This year, voters have an opportunity to choose from a deep field of incumbents and hopefuls in what promises to be a “change” election.
Topping the ballot is a race with national implications, as the Democratic Party seeks to regain control of the House of Representatives. The contest pits longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, who represents Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, against upstart state Rep. Justin Pearson.
The GOP currently holds a tenuous 218-213 majority. The winning party could potentially hold the fate of an increasingly unpopular president in its collective hands. In addition to more aggressive congressional oversight, a win could also lead to a third impeachment attempt against President Donald Trump.
A series of special election victories across the nation have given Democrats reason for optimism, including a surprisingly strong performance in Tennessee’s deep-red 7th Congressional District. Over the past several months, Democrats have won two special elections. The wave could continue to grow if Trump’s polling continues to fall. The president’s polling currently hovers around 40%, according to aggregate polling.
The lackluster number could lead to a big turnout during both the May 5 primary and the Nov. 3 midterm election if voters’ desire for change continues to intensify.
Could the push for new alternatives extend to Cohen? The 76-year-old has been a fixture of the House since 2007. Prior to national office, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence member served as a state senator for 24 years.
Pearson, who built his political credentials as an activist, is looking to make a quick jump from the state House of Representatives to its federal counterpart. During his first term, he was expelled from the body as a member of the “Tennessee Three.” The group of Democratic lawmakers were expelled or censured for taking part in protests in the state House. Pearson was later re-elected during a special election.
Representing largely the Memphis area, the winner will likely coast to an easy win in November.
Down the ballot, the races become more crowded. On the Democratic side, eight candidates have entered the race to succeed term-limited Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. The list includes notables from county government such as Commissioner Mickell Lowery, Shelby County Chief Administrative Officer Harold Collins, Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn and Assessor of Property Melvin Burgess.
Memphis City Council member JB Smiley Jr., former MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins, Rusty Qualls and Derrick Brown are also in the mix. Feagins is attempting to capitalize on the name recognition gained during her firing by the MSCS board early last year, after seven months on the job.
Speaking of the school board, this year’s election could mark the realignment of the nine-member body’s election with the Shelby County Commission — at least on paper. The commission’s decision to change the electoral calendar was blowback for the 6-3 decision to fire Feagins a year ago.
Moreover, five members had their four-year terms halved as a result. They include board chair Natalie McKinney, Sable Otey, Towanna Murphy, Michelle McKissick and Tamarques Porter. The latter two voted against removing Feagins.
Shelby County Elections Administrator Linda Phillips said the commission would stop issuing election petitions for Districts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7.
This followed a temporary restraining order issued by Chancery Court Judge Melanie Taylor Jefferson on Jan. 7. The order was requested by the five members who currently represent the districts.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti criticized the order, saying it could lead to “electoral chaos.” A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 26.
Every MSCS member listed faces a primary challenge.
The Shelby County Commission won’t be spared from big changes this year, either. Chairwoman Shante Avant is running for re-election for her District 5 seat. She is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Milton Bonds, a supervisor with the Memphis Police Department’s Sex Crimes Bureau. Another familiar name that will appear on the ballot is Republican Mark Billingsley is seeking to regain his District 4 seat, which he relinquished in 2022 because of term limits. All 13 commission seats are on the primary ballot.
Numerous county offices are also preparing for newcomers at the top. Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner is preparing for civilian life after two terms. Voters will have seven Democratic candidates to choose from in May. The winner will face one of two Republicans on the primary ballot during the general election.
Another election drawing significant attention is the Shelby County clerk’s race. Ten Democrats have entered the race to succeed term-limited incumbent Wanda Halbert. They include familiar names such as county Commissioner Britney Thornton and Shelby County Deputy CAO La Sonya Hall. If the ballot remains unchanged, the winner will run unopposed in November.
The qualifying deadline for candidates is Feb. 19. Other county offices up for grabs include circuit court clerk, criminal court clerk, juvenile court clerk, probate court clerk, assessor of property, county trustee and register of deeds.
