Memphis Businessman Rusty Qualls Runs for Shelby County Mayor

Qualls believes his business experience and focus on unity can bring positive change to the county.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Rusty Qualls, a Memphis businessman, is running for mayor of Shelby County, Tennessee. Qualls describes himself as a "small-town kid with a big heart" who wants to bring change to the county. He believes his business experience and focus on unity can help address issues like inflation, crime, and economic development.

Why it matters

Shelby County, which includes Memphis, is facing challenges like high crime rates and economic struggles. Qualls' campaign emphasizes the need for proactive solutions and stronger partnerships between local and federal governments to address these issues.

The details

Qualls, a native of Greenville, Mississippi, moved to Memphis 25 years ago to provide his children with a better education. He has built several businesses in the county, including tax services. Qualls says he began considering a run for mayor about two years ago after speaking with community members, including a group of teens who felt the government didn't care about them. Qualls believes the county is dealing with inflation, crime, and job market struggles, and he wants to focus on proactive solutions, economic development, and unity between government agencies.

  • Qualls began considering a run for mayor about two years ago.
  • Qualls has spoken to more than 3,000 people over the past month.

The players

Rusty Qualls

A Memphis businessman who is running for mayor of Shelby County, Tennessee. Qualls describes himself as a "small-town kid with a big heart" who wants to bring change to the county through his business experience and focus on unity.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

The public school district that serves Shelby County, Tennessee. Qualls wants to address the needs of MSCS faculty and staff, including providing pay raises for teachers.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just a hardworking young man looking to bring change to Shelby County.”

— Rusty Qualls, Mayoral Candidate (localmemphis.com)

“We have to understand that it's not 'me against you' or 'you against me'.”

— Rusty Qualls, Mayoral Candidate (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

Qualls will continue to campaign and engage with the community in the lead-up to the Shelby County mayoral election.

The takeaway

Rusty Qualls' campaign for Shelby County mayor emphasizes the need for unity, proactive solutions, and a focus on the community's needs to address the county's challenges, such as crime, economic development, and education.