Michael Whaley is a Democratic candidate for Shelby County Trustee and a current member of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners representing District 13 in East Memphis and Cordova. First elected in August 2018, he was re-elected to a second term in August 2022. A native of Dallas, Texas, Whaley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Policy from Southern Methodist University. His professional background is heavily rooted in education and civic leadership. He served as the Tennessee Director of Leadership for Educational Equity, working with teachers to build civic engagement, and previously founded Memphis College Prep, a K-5 public elementary school. Whaley began his career as a 2006 Teach for America corps member teaching elementary school in Memphis City Schools before completing the Building Excellent Schools Fellowship. He also serves on civil boards including Shelby Farms Park and the Downtown Memphis Commission. Whaley’s campaign filings with the Tennessee Ethics Commission list him as both a Shelby County official and candidate for County Trustee in recent years, reflecting his dual role in local government and his bid for the trustee position. Outside of public service, he is an avid traveler and is currently studying to become a sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He resides in Memphis with his Labrador retriever, Harper.

Joseph Lee, III is a Democratic candidate seeking election as Shelby County Trustee in the May 5, 2026 primary. He brings extensive experience in public finance and administration to the role, having served as President and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), as well as City of Memphis Finance Director and Treasurer. Prior to these municipal roles, Lee was appointed Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Shelby County Trustee’s office in 2019. His professional background is complemented by a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Christian Brothers University and a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. Additionally, Lee served nine years in the U.S. Navy. Lee previously ran for the same office in 2018, losing the Democratic primary to Regina Newman with 41.2 percent of the vote. His campaign materials identify him as a Shelby County official and candidate, with financial disclosures filed through the Tennessee Ethics Commission. Voters considering his candidacy will evaluate his decade-long tenure in local government finance against his prior electoral record. Lee’s professional history emphasizes operational management and public utility leadership, positioning him as an experienced administrator within the county’s financial infrastructure. His campaign contact information is available via email at info@trustinjlee.com.

Alexander Perkins is a Democratic candidate seeking election as Shelby County Trustee in the upcoming primary. The race features early voting beginning April 15, with Election Day scheduled for May 5. As a candidate, Perkins has participated in a video series organized by the Greater Memphis Chamber, where he shared his experience, priorities, and vision for the office. This platform allows voters to understand his approach to the responsibilities associated with the role. The position of County Trustee is designated as a County Charter Office under the Shelby County Charter Amendment of November 2008. The trustee serves as the county’s banker, tax collector, and investment officer. Key duties include managing property tax revenue collection and distribution for Shelby County. While Perkins has filed a Statement of Interest with the Tennessee Ethics Commission as a Shelby County official and candidate, no prior elected office history, educational background, or family details were provided in available sources. His campaign focuses on presenting his qualifications and policy goals to the electorate ahead of the May 5 election.

Marion Latroy A-Williams is a Democratic candidate seeking the Shelby County Trustee office in the May 2026 primary. He has previously run for this position as an independent in 2008, alongside numerous unsuccessful bids for Memphis Mayor, U.S. House, and state legislative seats. Professionally, he describes himself as a businessman and newspaper publisher, with Library of Congress records listing him as editor of the Mid-South Express circa 1981. His platform emphasizes "trickle-up" economic theory, proposing that Mud Island become an international trade hub creating approximately 80,000 jobs and President Island serve as a green-jobs center. He also advocates for education reform, criminal-justice reform, and property-tax relief for seniors and veterans. A-Williams has a documented history of election-related controversies. In 2008, his campaign faced criticism for fliers with fake endorsements and misspelled names, while his former company owed back taxes to the Trustee’s office he sought to lead. Subsequent issues included legal injunctions over sample-ballot activities in 2010, FEC scrutiny in 2014 regarding deceptive signage, and allegations of bogus ballots in 2019. He also operates an entity called "The National Democratic Party U.S.A.," which is not affiliated with the state or national Democratic parties.