Short-lived Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins is the latest notable figure to join the Democratic primary field in the wide-open 2026 Shelby County mayor’s race.
The former school administrator announced her candidacy to about 100 well-wishers gathered at the Memphis Performing Arts Academy in southwest Memphis on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
“I believe we’re ready for leadership who can govern with compassion, with courage and a little bit of common sense,” Feagins said.
The announcement follows a personnel change in Feagins’ ongoing lawsuit against Memphis-Shelby County Schools. She is suing the board, alleging it violated state sunshine laws by coordinating her firing in secret. Earlier this month, attorney William Wooten withdrew as her counsel and was replaced by attorney Rachel Lambert.
Shelby County Circuit Court Judge W. Christopher Fruella agreed to a request to pause the case Monday, Dec. 15. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again in February.
A political newcomer, Feagins is also a relative newcomer to Shelby County. Hired away from the Detroit public school system in April 2024, she quickly built a following among students, teachers and parents, while drawing criticism from school board members. She is now seeking elected office following that brief but high-profile tenure.
“I never ever aspired or desired to be a career politician. And I absolutely did not move to Memphis to be a mayor. So, perhaps I am standing here tonight because, like most of you, I know what it’s like to have to fight for an opportunity,” Feagins said.
A savvy social media user, Feagins used Facebook and Instagram skillfully during her nine-plus months on the job. Frequent visits to MSCS schools, promoted on those platforms, helped her win favor with students and parents. She also secured raises for underpaid teachers and other MSCS employees.
The school board did not extend Feagins the same goodwill. Following an investigation, she was fired in January by a 6-3 vote. The reasons cited included misleading the board on overtime, unapproved financial actions, grant mismanagement, interference in procurement and a lack of communication with board members.
The move, however, backfired on the board. State lawmakers intervened in an attempt to replace members through a recall vote. When that failed to pass constitutional muster, Shelby County commissioners approved an ordinance to realign board elections with their own. Five board members saw their four-year terms shortened by two years.
All nine school board seats will be on the ballot alongside Feagins’ mayoral bid.
“One year ago today, you organized. You sent emails. You made phone calls. You stood up. You showed up shoulder to shoulder to demand something better for education for our children,” Feagins said.
Feagins is the seventh candidate to enter the race. She will face Memphis City Council member JB Smiley Jr., Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery, Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn, Shelby County Property Tax Assessor Melvin Burgess and Shelby County Chief Administrative Officer Harold Collins in the May 5 primary. The field is rounded out by another newcomer, Air Force veteran Rusty Qualls.
If current dynamics hold, the Democratic nominee is expected to be favored in the November general election.
So far, the Republican Party has not fielded a candidate. The filing deadline is Thursday, Feb. 19, at noon.
