William Chism, Jr. is a Democratic candidate seeking the office of Shelby County Probate Court Clerk in the upcoming May 5, 2026, primary election. He faces incumbent Eddie Jones in a competitive race for the party’s nomination, with the general election scheduled for August 6, 2026. Chism previously ran for this same position during the Democratic primary on May 3, 2022, where he secured 13,283 votes, representing 29.0% of the total vote share before ultimately losing the contest. As a candidate, Chism has filed the required Statement of Interest with the Tennessee Ethics Commission for the 2026 cycle, identifying himself as a Shelby County official and candidate under form SS-8005. This filing is part of his compliance with state ethics regulations during his current campaign efforts. While he has established a presence in local electoral politics through two primary bids for the clerkship, specific details regarding his professional background, educational history, or family life are not currently available in public sources. His campaign narrative thus far centers on his prior electoral performance and his continued pursuit of the role to oversee probate matters within Shelby County. Voters will determine whether he can overcome the incumbent’s advantage in the upcoming primary contest.

Eddie Jones is a Democratic candidate for Shelby County Probate Court Clerk, currently serving in that role. A lifelong resident of Shelby County and Hamilton High School graduate, Jones brings extensive public service experience to the position. He was elected to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, where his colleagues unanimously selected him as Chairman in 2020. During his tenure, he chaired the Budget and Finance Committee for three years, demonstrating administrative capability relevant to managing court operations. Jones retired from the City of Memphis Code Enforcement Office after 14½ years as a Supervisor. His professional background includes 30 years with the city, notably serving 15 years as an officer in the Memphis Police Department, including eight years with the elite TACT Unit. He holds credentials as an FBI-certified firearms instructor and has experience in human resources and operations administration. Jones emphasizes advocacy for children, families, and communities, describing himself as a detail-oriented strategist. He is married to Martel Jones, has seven children, and serves as a Deacon at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood.