Statement from Rep. Steve Cohen Regarding the 2026 Shelby County Mayoral Race

At the Prayer Breakfast of Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery, I
shared with attendees and the media that I have known Commissioner
Lowery, his father the late Myron Lowery and their family for years. I have
supported them for elected office, and they have supported me.
I made the statement that Commissioner Lowery would be a great Shelby
County Mayor and I stand by that statement.

There are others in the Shelby County Mayors race who I consider friends
and who have supported me over the years, who are also well suited to
lead Shelby County as mayor. These candidates include Shelby County
Assessor Melvin Burgess, Memphis City Councilman J.B. Smiley, Criminal
Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn and Shelby County CAO Harold Collins.

Just as I endorsed Commissioner Lowery’s qualifications, I endorse these
other candidates qualifications.

I have no intention of getting involved or endorsing anyone in the Shelby
County Mayors race and wish all of the Democratic candidates well as they
campaign to the voters who will make the final decision in this race. Shelby
County Democrats are blessed to have so many GREAT candidates to
choose from.