Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris Endorses J.B. Smiley For Governor

By Holly McCall, Tennessee Lookout

May 25, 2022

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris announced his endorsement of gubernatorial candidate J.B. Smiley Wednesday, a day before the first of three debates sponsored by the Tennessee Democratic Party.

“Councilman Smiley understands the issues that matter to working women and men and the challenges that face our neighborhoods. Tennessee needs a Governor who will focus on the needs of our families, work hard, and work with all leaders across our great state,” said Harris in a statement.

Smiley, an attorney by trade, was elected to Memphis City Council in 2019 and serves as a “super-district” representative. The Memphis Council has seven districts with one representative and two “super districts” with three representatives each.

He serves as the chair of council’s Public Works, Transportation and General Services Committee and the council liaison for the Urban Art Commission.

Smiley is joined in the Democratic primary by Dr. Jason Martin of Nashville and Carnita Atwater of Memphis.

The three candidates are scheduled to debate in Knoxville Thursday at 7:30 CDT/8:30 EDT. Debates are scheduled for Nashville (June 21) and Memphis (TBA.)

The winner of the Aug. 4 primary will face incumbent Gov. Bill Lee in the November general election.

Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit network of state government news sites supported by grants and a coalition of donors.