T.J. Hardaway Appointed to Fill Late Father’s Tennessee House Seat
T.J. Hardaway will temporarily represent his late father’s Memphis district until November’s election, joining the legislature during critical redistricting debates.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Willis Lincoln “T.J.” Hardaway has been appointed to temporarily fill the Tennessee House seat left vacant by his late father, state Representative G.A. Hardaway, following approval by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday.
The younger Hardaway will represent House District 93, covering south Memphis and Orange Mound, until the next general election in November. His appointment comes after his father died late last month at age 71 following a brief illness.
Legacy of Service Continues
G.A. Hardaway began his career representing Memphis in 2007 when he was first elected to Tennessee House District 92. After a redistricting process in 2013, he was elected to House District 93, where he served until his death.
During Wednesday’s appointment meeting, an emotional T.J. Hardaway choked back tears as he thanked commissioners while invoking his father’s memory. “Knowing how much this means to me, I’m overwhelmed with what I know it means to him,” T.J. Hardaway said.
Immediate Legislative Action
The appointment comes during a significant time in the Tennessee Legislature, which is currently moving forward to redraw the Memphis-area Congressional district. The district is currently the only one of Tennessee’s nine House districts that maintains a majority Democrat composition.
The GOP-backed redistricting plan has drawn fierce criticism from Democrats for diluting the voting power of Memphis, a majority-Black city. Hardaway, a Democrat like his father, told commissioners he would travel to Nashville immediately after his appointment to participate in the legislative process.
“This is a crucial moment for Memphis, and I believe I can do it,” he said.
Father’s Civil Rights Legacy
The elder Hardaway left behind a legacy as a longtime advocate for civil rights and his Memphis constituents during his nearly two-decade career in the state legislature. His son now steps into that role during an important moment for the district’s representation.
The temporary appointment ensures continued representation for House District 93 residents until voters can select a permanent representative during November’s general election. The district encompasses key areas of Memphis including the Orange Mound neighborhood and other parts of south Memphis.
