FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: 09/21/2023
Contact: Shelby County Democratic Party
Hello Shelby County Residents,
Today, Mayor Jim Strickland, who identifies as a Democrat and is the former Chairperson of the Shelby County Democratic Party, endorsed Candidate, Philip Spinosa, who identifies as a Republican and is a candidate in the City Council District 5 race.
It is a long-respected standard of the Shelby County Democratic Party not to endorse during a Primary Race or in a Non-Partisan Race. However, during the last Shelby County election held in 2022, Mayor Strickland again publicly endorsed the Republican Candidate, helping him to defeat the Democratic Party Primary Nominee.
The City of Memphis demographically has a Democrat majority of voters. It is imperative that there is no ambiguity surrounding the political persuasion of candidates when outside influence is applied.
As such, the Shelby County Democratic Party has voted to take the unusual step of identifying and endorsing all identified bona fide Democrats who do not have Democrat opponents. Additionally, the party will not include endorsements in races where the Democratic candidates are running unopposed.
We are proud to announce endorsements for the following qualified Democrat Candidates:
Meggan Wurzburg Kiel
City Council District 5
Benji Smith
City Council Super District 9 Position 1
Brandon D. Washington
City Council Super District 9 Position 2
Thank you,
Shelby County Democratic Party Chair
Lexie Carter
For more information on this event visit our website.
Visit www.shelbydem.org
