House Minority Leader Camper To Run For Memphis Mayoral Post

By Sam Stockard, Tennessee Lookout

November 11, 2022

Karen Camper, leader of the House Democratic Caucus, is set to announce her candidacy today for the Memphis mayoral seat.

A 14-year veteran of the General Assembly, Camper is to make the announcement on the front porch of a Dempster Avenue home to show her emphasis on local needs.

Camper is expected to focus her comments today on the need for a mayor who will meet Memphians at their homes to discuss public safety, workforce development, better roads and clean streets.

Others running in the race include former Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner. The election is set for fall of 2023.

Camper is to note that as Democratic leader, she has worked with both parties to bring investments to the city, secure the Memphis Regional Megasite for the Blue Oval project, Ford’s electric truck plant in Haywood County, and to pass the “truth in sentencing” bill, in addition to reformers to the criminal justice system.

Camper’s decision could lead to an eventual shakeup in the House Democratic Caucus. The election would fall in the middle of her two-year term, and if Camper were to win, another Democrat would have to step in and fill the leadership role, that is, if Camper chooses to seek the post again later this year.

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