The 2009 Memphis mayoral special election took place on October 15, 2009. Mayor Willie Herenton resigned on July 30, 2009, in anticipation of his 2010 campaign against Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen. Following Herenton's resignation, City Council Chairman Myron Lowery, a former WMC-TV news reporter, was elevated as Mayor Pro Tem, and served until the special election. Though Herenton suggested that he might run in the ensuing special election because of Lowery's "reckless style of leadership," Herenton ultimately opted not to.
Twenty-five candidates ran in the special election, including Lowery, County Mayor A C Wharton, former City Councilmember Carol Chumney, attorney Charles Carpenter, and professional wrestler Jerry Lawler. Wharton ended up winning the election in a landslide, receiving 60 percent of the vote.
General election
Candidates
- A C Wharton, Mayor of Shelby County
- Myron Lowery, incumbent Mayor Pro Tem
- Carol Chumney, Memphis City Councilmember, 2007 candidate for Mayor
- Charles Carpenter, attorney, Herenton campaign manager
- Jerry Lawler, former professional wrestler
- Kenneth Whalum, Jr., Memphis City School Board member
- John Willingham, former County Commissioner, 2003 and 2007 candidate for Mayor of Memphis, 2006 Republican nominee for Mayor of Shelby County
- Wanda Halbert, City Councilmember
- Detric W. Stigall, city park services administrator
- Robert Hodges, perennial candidate
- Sharon A. Webb, Memphis City Schools Board member, 2007 candidate for Mayor
- E. C. Jones, former City Councilmember
- Leo AwGoWhat
- Silky Sullivan, Beale Street restaurateur
- Mary Wright
- Dewey Clark, bail bondsman
- Menelik Fombi
- Johnny Hatcher, Jr.
- Randy L. Cagle, businessman, 2007 candidate for Mayor
- James M. Clingan
- David W. Vinciarelli
- Constance Houston
- Ernest A. Lunati
- De Wayne Jones
- Vuong Vaughn Vo
Declined
Polling
Results
Notes
References