Written By JR Robinson

For decades, the name John DeBerry Jr. has been synonymous with a specific kind of political courage—the kind that prioritizes conviction over party lines and community over caucus. As Shelby County approaches a pivotal 2026 election to replace term-limited Mayor Lee Harris, DeBerry stands out not just as a candidate, but as a bridge.

To understand why he might be the "Best Republican" for a traditionally blue county, one must first understand the man behind the name.

The Man Behind the Name: Roots and Resilience

John DeBerry isn’t a politician who grew up in a boardroom; he grew up on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. He often speaks of walking through back doors and drinking from "colored" water fountains, experiences that shaped his deep-seated belief in the dignity of the individual.

A longtime pastor and public relations executive, DeBerry served 26 years in the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Democrat. However, in 2020, he was famously removed from the Democratic primary ballot by the state party’s executive committee. The reason? His voting record on life and school choice—issues where he refused to compromise his values. Rather than fading away, he served as a Senior Advisor to Governor Bill Lee, proving his ability to navigate the highest levels of state government.

What He Brings to the Table

DeBerry’s "table" is built on three sturdy legs: experience, independence, and integrity.

• Legislative Mastery: With over a quarter-century in Nashville, DeBerry understands the "plumbing" of government—how budgets are passed, how departments are held accountable, and how to get things done in a Republican-led state legislature.

• A "Common Sense" Approach to Safety: DeBerry has been a vocal advocate for law and order, but with a perspective rooted in personal history. He famously argued on the House floor that while protest is a right, the destruction of property and violence against police is a betrayal of the very principles the Civil Rights Movement fought for.

• Fiscal Responsibility: His background in marketing and his tenure on the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee give him the sharp eye needed to manage Shelby County’s complex budget without reflexive tax hikes.

Bridging the Divide: Addressing Shelby County’s Crises

Shelby County is currently a house divided, facing a trifecta of challenges: violent crime, educational stagnation, and political polarization.

1. Public Safety: Recent polling shows that 1-in-4 Shelby County residents have been victims of violent crime. DeBerry’s stance is clear: safety is a prerequisite for prosperity. He brings a unique ability to support law enforcement while maintaining the trust of the communities they serve.

2. Education and Truancy: As a former member of the House Education Committee, DeBerry sees the link between empty desks and future prison cells. He advocates for school choice and parental empowerment, viewing education as the ultimate civil rights issue of the 21st century.

3. The Partisan Gap: Memphis is often at odds with the state government in Nashville. As a Republican who spent most of his life as a Democrat, DeBerry is the only candidate who can walk into the Governor’s office as a peer and return to Shelby County as a neighbor.

Why the "Best Republican" for the Job?

In a county where "Republican" can be a tough sell, DeBerry is different. He isn't a partisan firebrand; he is a principled conservative with a Democrat’s heart for the vulnerable.

He doesn't ask voters to change their party; he asks them to change their expectations. By running as a Republican, he offers Shelby County a direct line to state resources and a leader who won't be ignored by the powers that be in Nashville.

Final Thoughts

John DeBerry Jr. represents a rare opportunity for Shelby County to turn the page. He is a man who has been tested by his own party and emerged with his integrity intact. In an era of loud politics, his is a voice of steady, seasoned reason. If Shelby County is looking for a leader who can bridge the gap between "us" and "them," they may find him in the man who has lived on both sides of the aisle.

What specific issue in Shelby County do you feel has been the most neglected by current leadership?