Longtime Memphis State Rep. Hardaway dies

Longtime Memphis State Rep. G.A. Hardaway died on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the age of 71 after a brief illness.  

A Democrat, Hardaway was initially elected to serve District 92 in March 2007, which became District 93 in January 2013. The district represents parts of South Memphis and the Orange Mound neighborhood.  

Additionally, Hardaway served as the chairman of the Shelby County Legislative Democratic Caucus and was a former chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators. 

TML Executive Director Anthony Haynes paid tribute to Hardaway’s service. 

“We join the many friends, colleagues, and constituents of State Rep. G.A. Hardaway in sharing our condolences and prayers for his family,” Haynes said. “He was a staunch advocate for the people of Memphis and a steadfast public servant. His legacy lives on in all that he did to help us grow as a society.” 

A native of Meridian, Miss., Hardaway held a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePaul University and worked in real estate.  

The Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP) released a statement regarding his passing. 

“For years, State Representative G.A. Hardaway served with integrity, fighting to ensure every Tennessean had a voice in their government,” the statement read. “His legacy is defined not only by his leadership in the legislature, but by the way he showed up for his community each and every day. He led with heart, treated everyone with dignity, and never lost sight of who he was fighting for. We are sending our deepest condolences to his loved ones, community, and the constituents of House District 93 during this terribly difficult time. His loss will be felt deeply across Tennessee, and his legacy will continue to inspire the work ahead.” 

Presently, no candidates have qualified in either party for the District 93 seat, which is up for re-election in November. Leaders of both parties are still exploring options regarding the race.