John DeBerry

State Representative District 90 (1995-2020), Senior Advisor to Governor Bill Lee (2020-2026), candidate for Shelby County Mayor

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

🚨MSCS AUDIT STATEMENT: The initial forensic audit of Memphis-Shelby County School’s released this morning is revealing and concerning for all of us. As your next Shelby County Mayor, I will support our teachers, parents, and students by working hard to bring change and accountability to MSCS.

State leaders called it “staggering” and some of the worst they’ve seen in decades. It shows a betrayal of every Memphis and Shelby County family who expects their tax dollars to educate children.

Enough is enough. Parents, teachers, and hard-working taxpayers have waited too long while millions were squandered and student outcomes suffered. As Shelby County Mayor, I will not sit on the sidelines or offer empty platitudes.

Here is exactly what I will do on Day One:

- Demand full accountability and immediate reforms: Within my purview as Mayor, I will assure every single recommendation in this audit will be implemented without delay or excuse. I will use the full authority of the Mayor’s office to hold the school board, administration, and every vendor accountable.

- Redirect every available dollar to the classroom: Taxpayer money belongs in teacher paychecks, updated textbooks, safe classrooms, and proven programs that raise graduation rates and prepare our kids for the workforce and not in wasteful spending or endless consultants. I will fight to make sure Shelby County resources support excellence, not excuses.

- Restore real local leadership with oversight: Our children deserve a school system run by dedicated, qualified local leaders who answer to Memphis and Shelby County families. I will partner aggressively with the state on needed reforms while fighting to keep decision-making power local, transparent, and results-driven.

- Put students and teachers first: Higher teacher pay. Better support for struggling schools. Measurable gains in reading, math, and graduation rates. No more failing systems that trap generations in poverty.

This audit is not the end of the story, but it is the beginning of the fix. The days of colossal waste and systemic failure are over. As your County Mayor, I will bridge divides and partner with whomever will deliver the accountable, high-performing school district our families deserve and our community demands.

The time for talk is finished. The time for action starts now. No more standing on the sidelines.

John DeBerry
Candidate for Shelby County Mayor

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

🚨BREAKING NEWS: Governor Lee to appear as special guest at Nashville fundraiser for Shelby County Mayor Candidate John DeBerry🚨

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

Last night, I officially kicked off my campaign for Mayor at Bluff City Land Rover, thanks to the generous support of Farrar Vaughan and her family.

I shared with the crowd my top three priorities: public safety, strong education, and responsible governance. These are straightforward but critical goals that require a leader with strong relationships in both Nashville and Washington, D.C., and a proven record of working across the aisle.

As Mayor, I will ensure:
- Our Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is the best-funded law enforcement agency in Tennessee,
- Our first responders receive the priority and support they deserve,
- Our teachers are valued and properly supported,
- And government operates efficiently while serving the people.

Shelby County will no longer be known as home to one of America’s most dangerous cities. Instead, we will become a county that contains some of the safest, most beautiful, and most prosperous cities in the nation.

Join me in this effort!

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

It is okay and necessary to demand responsibility, communication, and cooperation from county government. As County Mayor, I will work as a bridge builder with whomever wants to make our county better than we found it!

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

I was recently honored to grace the cover of Nashville Christian Family magazine, where I shared my vision for the year ahead and reflected on a lifelong calling: building bridges. Throughout my years in public service—serving Memphis in the Tennessee House of Representatives and as a trusted member of Governor Bill Lee’s Cabinet—I’ve always worked to unite people across divides, guided by faith, conviction, and a commitment to serve everyone.

Now, I’m thrilled to return home to Shelby County and bring that same spirit of integrity and servant leadership to our county’s government. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community that works for all.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

Shelby County has big needs (like rebuilding 201 Poplar and Regional One) requiring a bridge builder who can work with everyone.

I’ve done that my entire time in public service, and as Shelby County’s mayor, you can count on me to get the job done with whomever is willing to help.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

The first thing I’ll do as Shelby County’s Mayor is request a fiscal audit.

It’s time we prioritize responsible governance in Shelby County. Join me!

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

As Shelby County Mayor, I will ensure the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is the best equipped, best paid force of any county in the state.

BETTER TOGETHER • 2026

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

BETTER TOGETHER • August 6, 2026

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

I recently was given the opportunity to give the invocation to the Metro Council for Nashville and Davidson County at the invitation of Councilman Jeff Eslick. It was an honor to reflect on Black History Month and the impact the Civil Rights movement had on my life.

We must return Shelby County to a position where its government works well with state and federal partners regardless of who is in office. I’ve been a bridge builder during the entirety of my public service. It’s time we work together to get good outcomes for Shelby County.

We are Better Together. Join my campaign! We are going to win in August. But I can’t do it without you.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

BETTER TOGETHER • I recently met with Shelby County’s suburban mayors to listen to their priorities for the next County Mayor and to share my vision for our community.

Prioritizing safe streets, strong schools, and responsible governance benefits every part of Shelby County. I’m committed to working together and collaborating so every resident can thrive.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

I’m proud to have been involved since Day 1 in bringing the new State Veterans Home to Arlington. This home will be a vital resource for our heroes who've served our nation. As your next Shelby County Mayor, I'll continue fighting for our veterans, families, and communities with the same dedication. Together, let's build a stronger Shelby County!

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

Thank you @GOPShelby for providing me with an opportunity to speak. This Lincoln Day dinner was spectacular. I look forward to sharing more about my vision in the near future.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

Please join me in praying for the officer involved and their family, as well as the safety of other officers. I hope that this manhunt is concluded quickly and safely for everyone involved.

[Tennessee Bureau of Investigation @TBInvestigation]

A #TNBlueAlert has been issued for 40 y/o Danell Maxwell, wanted for Criminal Attempt First Degree Murder on a Memphis police officer.

He was armed with a silver handgun. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

See him? Call MPD at 901-528-2274 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

Thank you, Nashville Christian Family Magazine for featuring me on this months cover. It is an honor to be featured by a magazine that prioritizes faith and family.

[TN Dept of Labor & Workforce @Jobs4_TN]

Grateful for the hands that build, serve, and strengthen our communities every day. 💛
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving from TDLWD! 🍁

As a reminder, state offices will be closed Thursday and Friday this week, and will reopen Monday, December 1, 2025.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

Thank you Marshall County Republican Party for inviting me to speak with you tonight. It was my honor.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

It was an honor to be the keynote speaker for the Oher Foundation. @MichaelOher is changing lives.

[John DeBerry @DeBerry4Mayor]

Today we honor every individual who answered the call to serve. We cannot thank you enough.