Democrat Jerri Green says her background managing day-to-day government work in Memphis and Shelby County would translate directly to the governor’s office, positioning her as a practical alternative in a difficult year for statewide Democrats.
In an interview with Knox News, the Memphis City Councilmember and deputy chief of staff to Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris pointed to her experience with large budgets, complex policy issues and public-facing service as evidence she is prepared for executive leadership.
Green points to her background as a public defender and senior adviser in county government as the foundation of her approach to community issues. She highlighted the county’s midwife-funding initiative and a “gun lock by mail” program as examples of efforts driven by immediate community needs.
Asked about her political positioning, Green described herself as progressive but emphasized that she is running on middle-of-the-road priorities focused on stability, affordability and practical solutions. She argued that Democratic candidates have not consistently engaged rural communities and said early trips to small counties have produced unexpectedly strong crowds.
Green said voters consistently raise concerns about schools, health care and rising costs, and want leadership focused on predictable, effective governance. “We can agree to disagree on a lot of things,” she told Knox News, but most families want safe neighborhoods, strong public schools and the ability to afford basic necessities.
On school vouchers, Green said the policy draws money away from local schools without offering sufficient options to families, especially in small towns. She said she would not include voucher funding in a state budget and would veto new voucher legislation if elected.
Green has also called for repealing Tennessee’s near-total abortion ban. She acknowledged that shifting state law will be challenging but pointed to bipartisan support for maternal-health initiatives after the Dobbs ruling as evidence that progress is still possible. Green cited Shelby County’s effort to fund Black midwife fellows—a program she helped secure—as an example of policy that improves maternal and infant outcomes even when lawmakers disagree on abortion rights.
Expanding Medicaid, Green added, would help stabilize rural hospitals and restore obstetric services in communities that have lost basic care.
A Memphis native and attorney, Green previously worked as a juvenile public defender, led the Community Legal Center and later became a senior policy adviser before moving into her current role in the county mayor’s office. She won a seat on the Memphis City Council in 2024.
She faces Memphis organizer Carnita Atwater in the Aug. 6 Democratic primary.
