The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A former Shelby County GOP Chair has endorsed Democrat Anthony Buckner for Shelby County Sheriff, leading to calls for disciplinary action from the party and discontent amongst conservative constituents.
Kemp Conrad was the Chair of the Shelby County Republican Party from 2003-2005, though his endorsement of the Memphis Democrat has led some to question if his loyalties ever stood for the Republican Party or instead in favor of business connections and profits as Conrad works for commercial advisory firm Cushman & Wakefield and previously served on the Memphis City Council from 2008-2019.
One Collierville Republican wrote, “This could be ‘the uniparty’ on full display not caring about Republican or Democrat principles- but only about maintaining contracts and connections for business deals.”
Kemp and his wife Ann Conrad recently held a fundraiser for Buckner who gave them “special thanks” for their “generous support and hosting this memorable event”.
Buckner currently serves as the Chief Deputy for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and per Facebook and local media outlets, his campaign platform includes tenants like reducing gun violence, recruitment diversity, increased mental health support, and focusing on “meaningful reform” and community relations by acknowledging the “impact of high-profile incidents like those involving George Floyd and Tyre Nichols.”
His website was listed as “does not exist or is not available” at the time of this writing.
Given Buckner’s seemingly left leanings, it is unsurprising Conrad’s support has drawn criticism. The commenter continued, “The former RPSC [Republican Party of Shelby County] must not think crime of the exodus of citizens out of Shelby County is that bad and we need another Democrat administration at the Shelby County Sheriff’s department.”
Were there no other candidates, Shelby County Republicans could perhaps overlook Conrad’s endorsement of a sole choice, but according to the Shelby County Election Commission, there are several other candidates for the office, including two Republicans, Marco Yzaguirre and Brad Less.
Conservatives are less than enthused about a so-called Republican throwing support behind a Democrat, particularly when there are not just one but two Republicans on the ballot.
“Throw his baldheaded, RINO, weakass, democrat ass kissing out! And any other Republicans that attended!” read one comment. “Whatever it is, it’s an insult to the grassroots Republican Party of Shelby County and the two 2026 Republican Shelby County Sheriff’s candidates,” wrote another.
The Shelby County Republican Party has not yet made any mention of an intent to rebuke Conrad.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
