Memphis, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Jerri Green, a member of the Memphis City Council, has launched her campaign for Governor of Tennessee as a Democratic candidate for the upcoming election. With a focus on education reform, gun violence, and environmental issues, Green aims to prioritize family well-being and labor rights. Her grassroots strategy includes direct community engagement and ambitious outreach goals. Notably, she plans to connect with constituents through town halls while advocating for critical reforms such as expanded family leave and affordable childcare.
Memphis – Jerri Green, a current member of the Memphis City Council, has announced her candidacy for the position of Governor of Tennessee in the 2026 elections as a Democratic candidate. Motivated by her experiences as a mother of three, Green emphasized her concern for family-related issues and her determination to advocate for the communities in her state.
Green’s campaign prioritizes critical challenges facing Tennessee, including education reform, addressing gun violence, and tackling environmental issues. Her campaign slogan, “Lifelong Tennessean. Public Servant. One Tough Mother,” embodies her commitment to making a difference in the lives of Tennesseans.
As part of her platform, Green is advocating for expanded paid family and medical leave, affordable childcare options, and ensuring a living wage for all residents of Tennessee. She is particularly keen on engaging with constituents through town halls and debates, setting herself apart from Republican candidates who have been less accessible to voters.
Recently, Green hosted a campaign event at Oddstory Brewing Co. in Chattanooga, where she presented her vision and engaged directly with local voters. She believes that listening to community issues first-hand is crucial, referencing her experience of using Memphis public transit to better understand the needs and concerns of residents.
Moreover, Green is an outspoken supporter of labor rights and aims to back the ongoing negotiations involving the United Auto Workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. Regardless of the challenging political climate, reflected in early ratings that categorize the race as “safe Republican,” Green remains optimistic. She asserts that her grassroots campaign efforts will enable her to connect effectively with constituents throughout the state.
Tennessee has a historical absence of female governors, and Green’s candidacy aligns with the upcoming Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026. To ensure she reaches as many voters as possible, Green has ambitious plans that include making one million door knocks and placing three million phone calls statewide as part of her campaign strategy.
Born and raised in a financially challenging environment in Memphis, Green graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville before attaining her law degree from Georgetown University. She has previously worked as a juvenile public defender in Nashville and served as legal counsel for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, where she currently holds the title of deputy chief of staff.
Other Democrats have also declared their intention to run, including Carnita Atwater, Adam “Ditch” Kurtz, and Tim Cyr. Green approaches her campaign with a strategic mindset, drawing on parallels from the biblical story of David and Goliath, highlighting the significance of clever strategies over financial resources. Furthermore, she implemented initiatives in Shelby County that have successfully distributed 2,000 free gun locks, contributing to a reported 25% decrease in gun violence incidents.
In summary, Jerri Green is poised to make a significant impact on Tennessee’s political landscape as she leads her campaign for governor, focusing on community needs, family priorities, and advocating for labor rights and safer environments.
FAQs
What is Jerri Green’s background?
Jerri Green grew up in Memphis, graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and earned a law degree from Georgetown University. She has experience as a juvenile public defender and has worked in various capacities for Shelby County government.
What are the key issues Green is campaigning on?
Her campaign focuses on education reform, affordable childcare, gun violence reduction, environmental concerns, and ensuring a living wage for Tennesseans.
When is the Democratic primary for the Tennessee Governor race?
The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 6, 2026.
What is Green’s approach to engage with voters?
Green plans to engage voters through town halls, debates, and extensive door-to-door canvassing, aiming for one million door knocks and three million phone calls statewide.
How is Green addressing gun violence in Tennessee?
Green has initiated programs such as distributing 2,000 free gun locks in Shelby County, which has contributed to a reported 25% decrease in gun violence incidents.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Jerri Green Governor Hopeful Visits Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Jerri Green
- Action News 5: Jerri Green Announces Run for Governor
- Google Search: Jerri Green
- Local Memphis: Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green’s Run for Governor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Governors of Tennessee
- Commercial Appeal: Jerri Green’s Candidacy for Tennessee Governor
- Google Scholar: Jerri Green
- WDEF: Jerri Green Visits Chattanooga Voters
- Google News: Jerri Green Tennessee
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