Shelby County Commission Moves to Fill Vacant District 9 Seat After Edmund Ford Jr.'s Resignation

Commissioners aim to appoint interim representative until voters elect permanent replacement in August.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Shelby County Commission is taking steps to fill the vacant District 9 seat after former Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. resigned following his guilty plea to five counts of federal tax evasion. Commissioners formally accepted Ford's resignation and launched the process to appoint an interim commissioner to represent the district until voters elect a permanent replacement in August.

Why it matters

The resignation has prompted renewed discussion about ethics and public trust in local government. Commissioners are reviewing internal controls and oversight policies, including how grant programs are administered, to rebuild confidence among constituents.

The details

Ford pleaded guilty on February 2 to five counts of tax evasion as part of a federal plea agreement. Court records show he used his position as a county commissioner to secure grant funding for three nonprofit organizations and then received a portion of those funds for himself, without reporting the income to the IRS. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Ford resigned from office effective immediately.

  • Ford pleaded guilty on February 2, 2026.
  • Ford's resignation was effective immediately.

The players

Edmund Ford Jr.

Former Shelby County Commissioner who resigned after pleading guilty to five counts of federal tax evasion.

Shante Avant

Chairwoman of the Shelby County Commission, who said the commission moved quickly to ensure District 9 residents continue to have representation.

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What they’re saying

“We hold true to the integrity of the work that we do here on behalf of Shelby County. Of course, we keep Edmund Ford Jr. and his family in our thoughts and prayers, but the business of the county must move on.”

— Shante Avant, Shelby County Commission Chairwoman (localmemphis.com)

“As I step away from my elected role, I have full confidence in the work that has been delivered and the lucidity required to sustain it. I leave with pride in the results achieved under my leadership and concern over what has since unfolded.”

— Edmund Ford Jr., Former Shelby County Commissioner (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

The application process for the interim appointment will open on February 9 and close on February 20. Interviews are scheduled for March 4, with the commission expected to vote on an interim appointment at its March 9 meeting.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of ethical conduct and transparency in local government. The Shelby County Commission is taking steps to review its internal controls and oversight policies to rebuild public trust, emphasizing the need for elected officials to uphold the integrity of their offices.