Brandon "DD" Washington is a Democratic candidate for Shelby County Commissioner District 10, seeking to represent Orange Mound, Bethel Grove, and Sherwood. A native of Orange Mound, Washington entered the foster care system at age 15 and identifies as a former foster youth. He attended Hanley Middle School, where he was middle school valedictorian, and later enrolled in Middle College High School at Christian Brothers University. As of October 2025, he is a senior political science major at the University of Memphis, having previously studied at Rhodes College on a Posse Foundation Leadership Scholarship. Washington brings prior electoral experience to this race, having received approximately 16,000 votes in the 2023 Memphis City Council Super District 9 contest against incumbent Ford Canale. His advocacy work includes testifying before the U.S. Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, contributing to SNAP-eligibility expansions for aged-out foster youth and veterans under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. He also serves on the Tennessee Young Adult Advisory Council. For his 2026 campaign, Washington emphasizes expanding re-entry programs, addressing homelessness through career pathways, and improving resource access for working families. He describes his approach as people-powered, focusing on opportunity, stability, and accountability within District 10.

Samuel B Nelson is a Democratic candidate seeking election to Shelby County Commissioner District 10 in the primary scheduled for May 5, 2026. Born and raised in the Bethel Grove and Orange Mound neighborhoods, Nelson brings deep local roots to his campaign. He currently works as a minister, small business owner, and community leader, roles that inform his perspective on civic engagement and neighborhood development. Nelson’s platform centers on three primary pillars: public safety, economic opportunity, and neighborhood revitalization. His background in ministry and entrepreneurship suggests a focus on grassroots community support and local business growth within the district. By highlighting his origins in historically significant Memphis neighborhoods, Nelson positions himself as a candidate with firsthand experience of the areas he aims to represent. As a candidate for Shelby County official, Nelson has filed a Statement of Interest with the Tennessee Ethics Commission, a standard requirement for public office seekers in the state. This filing discloses potential conflicts of interest and is part of the transparency measures expected of candidates. His campaign website, nelson4district10.com, provides further details on his policy positions and qualifications. Nelson continues to campaign as he seeks to secure the Democratic nomination for this county-level position.

Lashanta Rudd is a Democratic candidate seeking election to Shelby County Commission District 10. She brings over twelve years of nonprofit leadership experience as the CEO of Serving In Christ Outreach Ministries Inc., where she has focused on workforce readiness and job skills training for disadvantaged individuals. Her organization has collaborated with various Memphis stakeholders to expand its reach, aiming to empower community members toward stable employment and successful integration. Rudd’s professional background also includes serving as a substitute teacher within Memphis-Shelby County Schools, a role that allowed her to directly contribute to educational development while utilizing conflict resolution skills to mentor students effectively. In addition to her work in education and nonprofit management, Rudd is a certified mental health life coach who employs a holistic approach to support personal and professional growth. Her platform emphasizes societal upliftment and the creation of pathways for individual development, aligning with her long-standing commitment to community service. Rudd has previously filed statements of interest with the Tennessee Ethics Commission for campaigns in 2024 and 2026, reflecting her ongoing engagement in public office at both the state and county levels. Her candidacy highlights a career dedicated to empowering others through education, mental health support, and workforce development initiatives within the Shelby County community.

Rebecca Jane Edwards is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the Shelby County Commission for District 10 in the primary scheduled for May 5, 2026. She currently serves as a Memphis City Beautiful Commissioner, a role that provides her with direct experience in local governance and civic administration. Her campaign website, rebeccajaneedwards.com, serves as the central hub for information regarding her platform and qualifications for the upcoming election. Edwards’ background as an incumbent on the City Beautiful Commission highlights her focus on community beautification and municipal oversight, which are likely relevant to voters in District 10 concerned with local infrastructure and aesthetic standards. As a candidate for county-level office, she is transitioning from city-level responsibilities to address broader regional issues within Shelby County. Her participation in the Democratic primary positions her as one of several contenders vying for the party’s nomination in this competitive district. The Tennessee Ethics Commission has recorded Edwards’ Statement of Interest for the 2026 County Commission race, filed under SS-8005. This filing is a standard requirement for candidates and officials in Tennessee, documenting potential conflicts of interest to ensure transparency in public service. No other prominent public controversies or significant biographical details regarding her education or family are currently available in the provided source materials. Voters interested in her specific policy positions can review her campaign site for further details on her approach to county governance.

John Luke Bradley is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the Shelby County Commission for District 10 in the May 5, 2026, primary election. A lifelong Memphian, Bradley was born and raised in the historic Orange Mound neighborhood, grounding his political identity in the community that shaped him. He currently serves in the Shelby County Mayor’s Office, where his role involves connecting residents with essential resources and ensuring their voices are represented within county government operations. Bradley describes his professional background as rooted in service, leadership, and advocacy for the communities that raised him. His current position allows him to engage directly with constituents across the county, a experience he leverages to highlight his commitment to responsive governance. As he transitions from the Mayor’s Office to a bid for the County Commission, Bradley emphasizes his dedication to bridging gaps between residents and local government officials. His campaign materials focus on his deep ties to Memphis and his ongoing work in public service rather than specific legislative achievements, as he has not previously held elected office prior to his current appointment. The candidate maintains an online presence at votejohnbradley.com to share further details about his platform and qualifications for the District 10 seat.