After the petition returned by Tennessee State Representative G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) for his 2026 reelection campaign was determined to have included an insufficient number of signatures, a spokesman reportedly confirmed the 10-term lawmaker intends to challenge the decision, or else begin a write-in campaign in order to keep his seat.
Following the March 10 deadline, the Commercial Appeal reported on Thursday that Hardaway was one valid signature short, leaving no candidates qualified for the District 93 race. The outlet reported that Hardaway would need to launch a write-in campaign for the Democratic Party’s nomination by June 16, or if he decides against running in the party’s primary, to declare his write-in candidacy for the general election by September 14.
Hardaway was just one signature short of the 25 required, according to States Affairs, which reported Shelby County Administrator of Elections Linda Phillips said his petition did not meet the statutory minimum.
A legal advisor for Hardaway, Javier Bailey, confirmed to Action News 5 that one signature was determined to be invalid after one individual used an address that did not match their voter registration.
Hardaway told the outlet in a statement, “My team and I are pursuing all administrative, legislative and judicial options. I will be running for House District 93 to continue representing the best interests of my constituents.”
His legal adviser told the television station, “We are currently working on a plan to challenge or appeal that ruling. Simultaneously though, we are preparing to engage and undergo a robust write-in campaign in case we’re not successful.”
Bailey also told the outlet no other candidates had filed in the race. Hardaway has represented Memphis in the General Assembly for nearly 20 years, after first being elected in a 2007 special election.
In 2024, Hardaway sailed to an easy primary victory with three-quarters of Democrats supporting his candidacy. He then won the general election with 80.9 percent of the vote.
Earlier that year, Hardaway drew controversy after objecting to signs held by activists in the State House ahead of a committee vote on legislation to authorize the death penalty for child sex offenders. The signs read, “do not stand with child rapists.”
“For those who seem to think that you can’t have a sensible, rational debate on this issue without standing with rapists, it’s very offensive and it’s a lie,” said Hardaway.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Background Photo “Voting Booths” by Tim Evanson. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Couldn’t even get 25 people to sign his petition.