Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green officially throws hat into Tennessee governor's race

Green is currently in the middle of her first term with the City Council. Though city positions are nonpartisan, Green has consistently aligned herself with Democrats and will be running as one, she said.

"We can do better. I know we can do better when we have more women in office," Green said in a video posted to social media. "And look, mothers are great at changing the world from their kitchen table. We are the kind of people that are going to raise this next generation. But we can also do it in our city halls, at our county commissions, on our senate floors and at the governor's mansion. We need more women — more mothers — making our laws because they will not leave working families behind.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy smiles as City Councilwoman Jerri Green speaks to supporters alongside City Councilwoman Pearl Eva Walker during a Democratic election watch party at Babalu in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

"So I wanna say something tonight about that capitol, and I'll say it for the first time here publicly and clearly: I plan to run for governor," Green said to cheers in the video. "And I don't just plan to run, I plan to win."

Who is Jerri Green?

Green has a legal background as a public defender. She went on to be legal counsel for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and now works as his deputy chief of staff.

In her time on the council, Green grew connected with the Memphis Police Association, the union representing Memphis police officers. In November 2024, she led the passage of a resolution expanding mental health care for police who witness traumatic incidents.

Previously, the city's policy only allowed officers who were physically injured to receive mental health treatment. Now that policy allows officers who witness violence and death in the field to get treatment. The move, she said, should lead to better policing and better community relations by treating trauma officers suffer in the field.

"I want to be able to be the person that makes sure we have paid family leave so more mothers can see their child's first smile. I want to make sure that we have affordable healthcare bills, so you're not putting out your loans on GoFundMe. I want to make sure my daughter has as many rights as I was born with," Green said in the video before it cut off.

Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and [email protected], and followed on X @LucasFinton.