Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins could be the next candidate to enter the race to succeed term-limited Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.
On Oct. 31, a document was filed with the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance by Friends of Marie Feagins that names a political treasurer for a mayoral bid. She has filed as a Democrat.
Feagins won’t be able to officially enter the race until Dec. 22, the official filing date for the 2026 election.
Her most recent public engagement was on Sept. 25, when she moderated a 901 Day summit that included civic leaders and candidates.
“I came to see Memphis grow and to lead it forward and figuring out what that role looks like now still requires showing up in the community,” said Feagins.
Feagins has remained visible in the county following her ouster by the MSCS board in January. Members voted 6-3 to remove Feagins after allegations of misleading the board and accepting a donation without their approval.
Politically speaking, the board’s move backfired. A public uproar was quickly ignited.
In her nine months on the job, the transplant built a sizable following in the community with personal engagement through MSCS schools, as well as through a visible social media presence. Feagins previously worked in Detroit’s public school system.
In the runup to her termination, Shelby County Commission meetings became a popular haunt for Feagins’ supporters to vent their frustrations about the school board. Many demanded a similar response, including calls for their removal from office.
It wasn’t long before members of the Tennessee Legislature took notice. In July, Gov. Bill Lee signed House Bill 1383, which permits county commissions to reset school board elections.
Commissioners responded with an ordinance realigning MSCS board elections with their own. The controversial measure truncated the four-year terms of five school board members by two years. A veto attempt by Harris was overridden in October.
Now, all nine seats will be up for grabs in the 2026 race. Likewise, the 13 commission spots. Ironically, Feagins could potentially appear on the ballot as well.
Other candidates who have announced their intentions to run for county mayor include Memphis City Council member JB Smiley Jr., Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery, Shelby County Chief Administrative Officer Harold Collins, County Assessor Melvin Burgess, Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn, and businessman Rusty Qualls.
They will likely test how much local knowledge the political neophyte has acquired in her short time as a resident.
“I’m excited for her. I really wish her all the best. She is very smart. I know it is always good to have fresh perspective, new voices, anytime you are talking about leadership… certainly on that scale,” MSCS school board member Michelle McKissack told WREG.
McKissack voted against Feagins’ dismissal.
