by Don Mooney
Shelby County Mayoral candidate John DeBerry address’ constituents at Airport Church of Christ in democratic stronghold community of Orange Mound. photo by Don Mooney
Memphis, TN—With less than a week to go the race is tightening for 2026 CEO for Shelby County. After a long day of canvassing Shelby County’s vast jurisdiction candidate John DeBerry held a Q&A session deep behind political enemy lines. Airport Church of Christ in the historic Orange Mound community, a community he knows oh so well, is a legendary democratic gimme in Memphis politics. The church hosted longtime minister, veteran politicians return, this time with a new challenge – this time around as a republican.
Sparse crowd gathered at Airport Church of Christ for Q&A from republican candidate for Shelby County mayor John DeBerry. photo by Don Mooney
State Rep. John DeBerry served in office for 26 years, 12 of those as a committee chairman and all of them as a Democrat. But that quickly changed when the Tennessee Democratic Party voted 41-18 removing DeBerry off the August 2020 primary ballot because of his support for school vouchers and his opposition on abortion. Views, as a man of God and principles, was well known before and during his tenured time in office, out of nowhere DeBerry became an ops within his own party.
As a Christian, I make no apologies for what I stand for…none!”
Though the session attendance, possibly limited by strong rain storm that ended once the meeting began, questions were frank and straight forward. Topics concerning housing, transportation, expanding the medical footprint, the school system audit, a new jail and the county budget were all open targets for the seasoned mayoral challenger. After a grueling day of campaigning DeBerry’s opening statement established a welcoming tone which the audience ran with. A black man, minister running on the republican ticket, in this political climate is more than a challenge. The name calling alone requires a special kind of endurance. “It’s been a long day and I been dealing with this since February. If I win the office folks know there’s gonna be changes,” declares DeBerry.
Longtime MSCS teacher Phillystene, Terry – Boyd presents question concerning state takeover of Memphis Schools. photo by Don Mooney
DeBerry doesn’t mix words about why he’s running for office. As a seasoned politician DeBerry id the first to admit he’s not perfect, doesn’t know all the answers. “I’m doing this as my last duty station because I want my grandchildren to stay in Shelby County. I want my nieces and nephews and this next generation, yall’s children and grandchildren, who will move outta here if we don’t change some stuff,” explains DeBerry.
Raised questions about cooperation with Memphis mayor other city government entities when it comes to housing along with other spending priorities. photo by Don Mooney
Recent news surfaced that suggest whomever inherits the office inherits a waving financial red flag. The state of Tennessee annually sends anywhere between $1.7 and $1.9 billion dollars to Shelby County schools to educate some 110,00 children. Shelby county recently borrowed $125 million dollars just to keep the proverbial lights on. $42 million dollars a few of months ago just to make payroll. Money the state of Tennessee would not loan them, they had to borrow the money from an outside agency – Regions Bank. “So why is the issue money, claims DeBerry, when you get this kind of money ever year.” DeBerry points directly to decisions made by folks at the top. Where the school superintendent, can stand there and tell you, its just $200 million dollars. The fact is this is not monopoly money! This is your money and its being wasted, its being wasted on needless programs, needless positions and jobs, points out DeBerry. You got cronyism, phonyism and nepotism down there that’s destroying Shelby County. Lets be frank…Shelby County is broke!”
Its Not Personal!
If elected DeBerry plans to continue his brand of successful political currency by fostering cooperation across party lines. “You cannot have a good administration, shares DeBerry, without dealing with people, without working across the aisle – thats what I’ve always done with democrats and republicans. I will bring in people who can work with people and know how to solve problems. I don’t know how I’m gone solve these problems – but I know I’m walking into a mess.” This style of politics would be a pleasant departure from the partisan, polarizing brand of politics that has plagues the current political landscape. Final day to vote is Aug. 6. Polls open from 7am to 7pm.