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← Back to Shelby County, Tennessee: Election on 2026-05-05

Contest for Juvenile Court Clerk

County Shelby County
primary - Partisan - Juvenile Court Clerk

About this office

The Juvenile Court Clerk handles case records for the Shelby County Juvenile Court, which has jurisdiction over delinquency, dependency/neglect, child-support, and status-offense cases involving minors. The clerk's office screens detained juveniles, coordinates referrals for mental-health and substance-abuse evaluations, and manages records for the court's eight courtrooms at 616 Adams Avenue, Memphis.

Term length: 4 years.

Campaigns

Democratic Primary 3 candidates
Janeen Gordon

Janeen Gordon

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Janeen Gordon is the incumbent Democratic Juvenile Court Clerk for Shelby County, seeking re-election in the May 2026 primary. She assumed office in September 2022 after defeating opponents in both the primary and general elections. As Clerk, Gordon oversees an office with more than 90 employees located at 616 Adams Avenue in Memphis. Her professional background includes over a decade of experience in broadcasting, serving as a morning traffic anchor and lifestyle host for WMC Action News 5, as well as roles at several radio stations. She is the daughter of Janis Fullilove, her predecessor in the role. During her tenure, Gordon has highlighted community engagement through board membership with the Heal the Hood Foundation and mentorship with C.H.O.I.C.E. A notable event in her current term occurred in May 2024 when the Juvenile Court Clerk’s building was closed indefinitely due to mold, asbestos, and lead concerns. Gordon stated that environmental testing was initiated after staff members reported health issues, including asthma symptoms. She is running against Kenny Lee and Patriece Minner in the upcoming primary election.
Written by AI (ChatGPT) based on information found via automated internet search for public information
Kenny Lee

Kenny Lee

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Kenny Lee is a Democratic candidate seeking election as Juvenile Court Clerk for Shelby County, Tennessee. He currently serves in this role, bringing incumbent experience to the position. As the sitting clerk, Lee holds the administrative responsibilities associated with the county’s juvenile justice system, overseeing court operations and case management within the jurisdiction. His campaign highlights his current tenure as a primary qualification for voters considering the office. Public records indicate that Lee has filed a Statement of Interest with the Tennessee Ethics Commission in 2026, identifying himself as both a Shelby County official and a candidate for Juvenile Court Clerk. This filing is standard procedure for candidates holding public office who are seeking re-election or continued service. The provided biographical materials do not list prior elected offices, educational background, or family details beyond his current professional capacity. There is no information in the available source material regarding specific platform themes, policy proposals, or notable controversies associated with his tenure or candidacy. Voters interested in his administrative record or ethical disclosures may review the official filings referenced in public databases for further context on his service and campaign compliance.
Written by AI (ChatGPT) based on information found via automated internet search for public information
Patriece Minner

Patriece Minner

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Patriece Minner is a Democratic candidate seeking election as Juvenile Court Clerk in Shelby County, Tennessee. Currently employed within the Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office, Minner brings direct institutional experience to the role. Her prior tenure at the Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County included efforts to expand diversion programs, protect juvenile rights, and implement systemic reforms. This background positions her as an insider with established knowledge of court operations and juvenile justice procedures. Minner holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University. Her campaign platform is guided by Christian faith and the principle of "People Over Politics," emphasizing a framework she describes as the "5C's." She maintains affiliations with several professional and community organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Partnership of Juvenile Service, the Shelby County Democratic Party, Memphis Outreach Ministry, and Democratic Women of Shelby County. These connections highlight her engagement with both political structures and mental health advocacy groups. The provided biographical materials do not indicate any public controversies or ethical conflicts associated with Minner’s career or campaign activities.
Written by AI (ChatGPT) based on information found via automated internet search for public information