Van Turner, a native of Whitehaven, Memphis, is running for Mayor of Memphis. With a strong background in law and public service, Turner aims to address the city's challenges and create a new destiny for Memphis.

Background and Education

Van Turner was raised in Whitehaven, Memphis, and now lives in the Binghampton neighborhood with his wife, Tammie, and their three children, Malik, Masai, and Malia. He is a Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude graduate of Morehouse College and a graduate of the University of Tennessee Law School, where he served as the president of the Black Law Students Association.

Professional Experience

Turner clerked for the Hon. Samuel Hardy Mays, Jr. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. He is currently a Partner at Turner Feild, PLLC, where he practices civil litigation, constitutional law, and business litigation. Turner also heads the non-profit organization responsible for removing the Confederate statues of Nathan B. Forrest and Jefferson Davis from Health Sciences and Memphis Parks.

Political and Community Involvement

Van Turner was elected as a Shelby County Commissioner in 2014 and re-elected without opposition in 2018. He currently serves as President of the Memphis Branch of the NAACP. Turner has served on the board of several legal organizations, including the Tennessee Bar Association, the Mississippi Bar Association, and the Memphis Bar Association. He has also been an active member of the Economic Club of Memphis, the Rotary Club of Memphis, and the Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inns of Court.

Turner's Vision for Memphis

Van Turner's campaign focuses on restoring public trust in public safety, strengthening infrastructure, bringing more job opportunities, and investing in businesses in the city. With his entire career centered around "getting the tough jobs done," Turner believes that Memphis can reach a new horizon by working together.

As Mayor, Turner would prioritize economic opportunity for all, emphasizing the need to build up not only downtown and midtown areas but also neighborhoods like Frayser, Raleigh, Whitehaven, South Memphis, and North Memphis. With his strong background in law, public service, and community involvement, Van Turner is a candidate who understands the challenges facing Memphis and is dedicated to creating a brighter future for the city.

This video was shot late last year just as the campaign was getting started!

Van Turner, a mayoral candidate for Memphis, has expressed his commitment to addressing public safety issues in the city. His plans include working towards true police reform and creating a comprehensive plan to address crime at its root cause, which he believes is economic opportunity for all. Turner also emphasizes the importance of community and law enforcement working together to build trust and foster collaboration.

In the aftermath of Tyre Nichols' tragic death, Turner has called for a Department of Justice pattern-or-practice investigation into the Memphis Police Department. This investigation would aim to identify systemic issues within the department and help implement necessary reforms to improve public safety and community relations.

As part of his public safety agenda, Turner is focused on strengthening community policing programs. He believes that fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and the community is essential for reducing crime and building trust. By investing in community-based initiatives and working closely with local organizations, Turner aims to create a safer environment for all Memphis residents.

In summary, Van Turner's plans for public safety in Memphis include police reform, addressing the root causes of crime through economic opportunity, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community, and strengthening community policing programs.