MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green says she is running for Tennessee governor in the 2026 election.

Green made the announcement in a speech that was posted to social media on Monday.

“We need more women, more mothers, making our laws, because they will not leave working families behind,” she said in the video.

City council seats are non-partisan, but Green appears to have made the remarks during a Tennessee Democratic Party event over the weekend, according to her social media.

Green may face an uphill battle in a statewide race in staunchly Republican Tennessee, where Gov. Bill Lee trounced his last Democratic opponent by 32 points, and President Donald Trump won by almost 30 points, according to the Associated Press. Larry Sabato’s Center for Politics site rates the state’s governor’s race as “Safe Republican.”

At least one Republican, U.S. Rep. John Rose, has announced a run for governor to replace Lee, who is term-limited, in 2026.

Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn has also expressed interest in the governor’s seat.

Jerri Green is scheduled to be a guest with Alex Coleman on News 3 at 3 on Thursday.