Amber Huett-Garcia is a Democratic candidate for County Commissioner District 13. She currently serves as the School Board representative for District 8 and works as the Director of Business Development at Lemonada Media, a rapidly expanding podcast company. Her professional background includes significant experience in education policy and administration. Previously, she was a senior director of non-academic support strategy at the Tennessee Department of Education, where she focused on health, policy, and budget roles for one million K-12 students. Earlier in her career, Huett-Garcia managed over $13 billion in K-12 funds for former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and served as a policy advisor in Shelby County’s Office of Education. Huett-Garcia’s public service record includes nine years on the National Board for the Obesity Action Coalition, where she served two years as chair. She is also a founding member of the Global Obesity Patient Alliance, representing the United States. Her advocacy work has been recognized with Medtronic’s Bakken Invitation award in 2018. A former teacher at Ross Elementary and Teach for America alumna, she brings extensive experience in large-scale operations and fundraising to her campaign. She resides in East Memphis with her husband and daughter.

Lena Chipman is a first-time Democratic candidate seeking election to Shelby County Commission District 13. She announced her candidacy in November 2025 to succeed term-limited incumbent Michael Whaley and is competing in the May 5, 2026, primary against two other candidates. A lifelong Memphis resident since 1980, Chipman holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Memphis. Professionally, she serves as a technology consultant and principal of a startup company. Her community involvement includes serving on the board of the MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Chipman identifies as a wife and mother in her biographical materials. While her campaign highlights her professional background in technology and long-term residency in the district, media coverage has noted her identity as a transgender candidate. This aspect of her biography was prominently featured in announcements regarding her entry into the race for District 13. Her campaign website provides additional details on her platform and qualifications for the position.

LaGina "Gina" Mitchell-Scott is a Democratic candidate seeking election to Shelby County Commission District 13 in the May 5, 2026 primary. She currently holds no elected office but brings over two decades of professional experience as an educator, counselor, and community leader to her campaign. A lifelong resident of the area, Mitchell-Scott describes herself as a proud mother and grandmother who has dedicated her career to education and mental health support. Her academic background includes an Education Specialist degree in Leadership and a Master’s in Education with a focus on School Counseling. She also holds a certification in Christian Counseling. In addition to her work in the public sector, she is the founder of a nonprofit organization, demonstrating her commitment to community service outside of government roles. Mitchell-Scott is running for the seat currently held by Michael Whaley, who is term-limited. Her campaign website, laginamitchellscott.com, serves as the primary source for her platform and biographical details. As she enters the race, she positions her extensive experience in counseling and educational leadership as key qualifications for addressing the needs of District 13 residents. The Tennessee Ethics Commission lists her as a candidate filing a Statement of Interest for this office.

Ed Apple is a Republican candidate seeking election to Shelby County Commission District 13 in the upcoming general election. He previously ran for this same seat in 2022, losing to incumbent Michael Whaley by a narrow margin of approximately four percentage points. Apple’s professional background is rooted in real estate and finance, providing him with direct experience in property development and capital markets. He founded Apple Partners Real Estate in 2018 after working in capital markets at Morgan Keegan and Pacific Global. His career includes developing commercial and residential properties, specifically focusing on assisted living, memory care, and multi-family housing sectors. Apple holds a degree from the University of Mississippi and attended Avon Elementary and Ridgeway High School. Beyond his professional life, he has served on the boards of St. Mary's Episcopal School for girls, Pacific Global, and Medicos. He is a member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church and identifies as a devoted father. While his campaign highlights his business experience and community service, voters will recall his prior electoral defeat in 2022 as a key part of his political record. The general election is scheduled for August 6, 2026, following the primary on May 5.