The story: The first named candidate is in for the Tennessee Senate seat that covers part of Arlington.

Former Memphis City Council chairman Kemp Conrad announced Friday, Nov. 6, that he is running for Senate District 31. That’s the seat Sen. Brent Taylor (R) just won again on Nov. 3 — and the one he’s expected to leave for the U.S. House after also winning the 9th Congressional District.

Why Arlington cares: District 31 includes Arlington precinct 01-06 A1. Precinct 01-07 A1 is in District 32, which wasn’t on this year’s ballot. Not sure which one you’re in? Check GoVoteTN.

What Conrad said: In a Substack post titled “Why I’m Running: A Strong Voice for Shelby,” Conrad wrote that he is running “to be a strong voice for Shelby County in Nashville, and to create a prosperous Shelby County for all.” He thanked “Senator and Congressman-elect Brent Taylor” for his service, especially on crime. He also framed the race around reversing Shelby County’s population decline — he cited about 28,000 people lost over the last decade — and rebuilding what he calls “Big Shelby.”

Conrad served three terms on the Memphis City Council from 2008 to 2019 and was elected chairman twice by his peers. He has a BA from Rhodes College, an Executive MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management, and a commercial real estate background. He’s a Republican.

Local names on the list: Conrad posted a partial endorsement list dated Nov. 6. It includes Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman, plus Bartlett Mayor David Parsons, Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman, and a long roster of current and former Shelby County officials. Endorsements are not votes, and the list will change as the race develops.

What’s still open: Gov. Bill Lee has not called a special election yet. Shelby County Election Administrator Linda Phillips has said Lee must set a date within 107 days of issuing the order once Taylor leaves the Senate seat. The Shelby County Commission may also appoint an interim senator until voters pick a successor. Election results stay unofficial until they’re certified (Shelby County Election Commission regular meeting is set for Sun., Nov. 22).

We’ll keep watching for a writ of election, filing windows, and more candidates.

Sources: Kemp Conrad, “Why I’m Running: A Strong Voice for Shelby” (Substack, Nov. 6, 2026); Conrad on X; WREG; our earlier coverage: Part of Arlington Is Headed for a State Senate Special Election as Brent Taylor Goes to Congress.

Photo: Kemp Conrad campaign graphic (kempconrad.substack.com)