Brandon Washington

Brandon Washington earned a high school diploma from Middle College High School. Washington's career experience includes working as an activist.[1]

Tennessee House of Representatives

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Shelby County Board of Commissioners

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Brandon Washington, and I’m a proud Memphis native, foster care advocate, and candidate for Shelby County Commission in District 10.

I entered foster care at 15, and that experience shaped how I see leadership. It taught me that systems don’t always work for the people who need them most—and that real change only happens when people with lived experience step up and speak out.

Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to advocacy and public service. I’ve spoken at the U.S. Capitol, helped expand SNAP eligibility for young people aging out of foster care through federal legislation, and worked to pass child welfare reforms here in Tennessee. I’ve also served in leadership roles locally, organizing and representing young people across Shelby County.

I’m currently a student at the University of Memphis, where I continue to stay grounded in the community while preparing for a future in public service.

I’m running for County Commission because I believe District 10 deserves leadership that is present, accountable, and focused on results. From creating real opportunities for young people, to expanding access to stable housing, to making sure our government is transparent and working for the people—I’m ready to deliver.

When you think District 10, think Washington.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

1. Leadership with lived experience

I don’t just talk about broken systems—I’ve lived them. From foster care to the Capitol, I’ve fought to change systems that leave people behind, and I’ll bring that same urgency and perspective to County Commission.2. Real opportunities for our community

I’m focused on creating pathways to success—through youth programs, job opportunities, and a “homeless to career” approach that helps people get back on their feet and stay there.3. Accountability and results you can see

Government should work for the people. I’m committed to transparency, responsible spending, and making sure District 10 sees real, measurable results—not just promises.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about expanding opportunity for young people and working families, especially those impacted by systems like foster care.

My focus is on youth development, housing stability, and creating real pathways to good-paying jobs.

I also believe in transparency and accountability—people deserve a government that works for them and delivers real results.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have been endorsed by TN Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, along with the Memphis-Shelby County Political Action Committee for Education (PACE) and ChangeTN.

I have also received the 2026 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction, recognizing my commitment to policies that promote gun violence prevention and community safety .

Additional endorsements are currently pending as our campaign continues to build strong support across District 10

Campaign websiteWashington's campaign website stated the following:My Plan of ACTIONAffordable Housing for AllEveryone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. In District 10, too many families live with broken plumbing, rising rents, or the constant threat of displacement. Housing isn’t just an issue, it’s the foundation for everything else we care about: health, safety, opportunity, and dignity.I will fight for real housing reform that directly benefits the people who already live here. That includes creating a District 10 Housing Improvement Fund for emergency repairs, holding landlords accountable through stronger code enforcement, and backing affordable development that puts residents before outside investors.Care Access for Every NeighborMental health support, trauma recovery, and addiction treatment are essential services that too many of our neighbors simply cannot access. In District 10, these resources are often too far away, too expensive, or underfunded—and that leaves people struggling in silence.I will work to bring these services closer to home. That means expanding mobile mental health units across the district, investing in trauma-informed care programs, and pushing the county to partner with and fund local organizations that are already doing this life-saving work in our communities.Transparency in How Our Money Is SpentThe county budget is a reflection of our values, and right now too many of us are left in the dark about where our tax dollars go. When decisions are made without input, without clarity, and without accountability, our communities suffer.I will ensure District 10 knows exactly how our money is being spent. I will work with other commissioners to host public budget forums ahead of major commission votes, publish an annual District 10 Budget Breakdown, and advocate for equity reviews on major spending to make sure our dollars are doing the most good.Investing in Our YouthI’ve lived what many young people in District 10 are living now—navigating uncertainty, broken systems, and being counted out before being given a chance. But I also know the power of what happens when someone chooses to invest in us instead of giving up.That’s why I will launch a youth re-entry and mentorship program designed to empower teens and young adults. I’ll also push for stronger school-to-career pipelines, expanded funding for leadership development, and real investments in programs that give every young person the tools to thrive.Opportunity Rooted in EquityToo often, opportunity in Shelby County depends on who you are, where you live, or what you have access to. Whether it’s jobs, public transportation, education, or internet access, too many people in District 10 are being left behind.I will support policies that bring long-term opportunity to the people who already call this community home. That means growing small business support, expanding job training, improving public transit access, and making sure our economic development plans benefit working families—not push them out.Neighborhood Safety Through PreventionWe all want to feel safe where we live—but real safety doesn’t begin with punishment. It begins with prevention, stability, and care. For too long, the county’s approach has focused on reacting to problems instead of solving them at their roots.I will work to fund community-based violence interruption programs and expand mental health response teams so that police are not the only tool we rely on. I’ll also invest in basic neighborhood needs like lighting, sidewalks, trash pickup, and code enforcement, because safety starts with the environment we live in.— Brandon Washington's campaign website (April 4, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Brandon Washington did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.