For Daryl Lewis, the numbers coming out of Shelby County simply don’t add up. With a 36% reported increase in property values alongside a $43 million shortfall in the county's budget, the math feels "fictitious." As a real estate broker with 30 years of experience and certified project manager, and a degree in architectural engineering technology, Lewis isn't just criticizing from the sidelines—he’s stepping up to normalize the process.

"My politics are simple," Lewis says. "If it’s fair for me and unfair for you, then it’s unfair."

Lewis’s deep roots in Memphis—spanning from French Fort to Whitehaven and Boxtown to Bartlett—inform his "all-inclusive" vision for the Assessor's office. He views the position as non-partisan, a technical role that demands a "North Star" of integrity. To prove his commitment, Lewis has pledged to put his real estate license into retirement if elected, removing any perceived or actual conflicts of interest in accordance with local and state ethics policies.

The core of his platform rests on three pillars: Integrity, Transparency with Accountability, and Modernization with true community engagement. Lewis is particularly focused on "closing the loop" on PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs. He points to the departure of companies like Electrolux and IKEA as cautionary tales. "We need to hold companies accountable for the tax breaks they receive," Lewis argues. He envisions an Assessor's office that acts as a watchdog, ensuring that when the county grants incentives, the residents see a direct return in the form of skilled labor opportunities and community investment.

Education is also a priority. Lewis wants to bridge the gap between complex property valuations and the average citizen. By bringing programs and clarity directly to neighborhoods, he aims to demystify how 60% of the county’s revenue is generated and how those funds impact public health, safety, and education.

"The residents take care of the budget, and the budget should take care of the residents," Lewis says. "It should be an equal mutual exchange of value for living in Shelby County."