MEMPHIS, Tenn. — State Rep. Willis Lincoln “TJ” Hardaway III has ended his write-in campaign to remain in the Tennessee House, bringing to a close his brief effort to continue the political legacy of his late father, longtime state Rep. G.A. Hardaway.
TJ Hardaway was appointed by the Shelby County Commission on May 6 to temporarily represent House District 93 after his father died April 24 at age 71 following a brief illness. The elder Hardaway had represented Memphis in the Tennessee House since 2007, first in District 92 and later District 93. He also served as chairman of the Shelby County Legislative Democratic Caucus and previously chaired the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators.
The younger Hardaway was selected from several applicants to complete his father’s term, which runs until a successor is elected and qualified following the Nov. 3 election. District 93 includes portions of Orange Mound, Binghampton, Highland Heights and Cordova.
Hardaway became emotional after commissioners selected him, describing his father’s relationship with the community as an inheritance being passed to him.
“He’s a little bit harder to talk to, but he’s in my bones,” Hardaway said at the time. “So, this is a moment for both of us.”
Hardaway announced in June that he would seek a full two-year term through a write-in campaign. The unusual situation developed after no candidate qualified for the August primary for the District 93 seat.
On Monday, Hardaway announced that he would no longer pursue the seat and instead plans to attend law school. He endorsed fellow Democrat Kyler Gilkey, who is pursuing his own write-in campaign for District 93, and said he plans to serve as an adviser and chief of staff to Gilkey in the months leading up to the November election.
“Serving the people my father loved and represented for so many years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hardaway said in announcing his decision. “Stepping into this arena allowed me to understand the true weight of walking in my father’s shoes.”
Hardaway said his short time in office also changed his understanding of public service.
“Every day that I have served in this seat has allowed me to keep his memory alive while developing an even deeper understanding of what it means to serve people,” he said. “That experience taught me something that I will carry with me forever: leadership is not about holding a title. It is about being prepared to serve when your community needs you.”
Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Rachel Campbell thanked Hardaway for his service and said the party would support the Democratic candidate who ultimately earns the backing of District 93 voters.
G.A. Hardaway’s death ended nearly two decades of service in the Tennessee House. In addition to his legislative leadership roles, he was a real estate investor and was active in numerous Memphis civic and community organizations.
