Heidi Kuhn

Heidi Kuhn is a Democrat who served as Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk from 2018 until her term ended in 2026, after a career in Shelby County government that began in 2000. She lost the May 2026 Democratic primary for Shelby County mayor and won the August 6 Democratic primary for the 8th District. She describes her campaign as focused on lowering costs, supporting farmers and workers, and expanding second chances through criminal justice reform.[1][2][3][4]

Kuhn earned a bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico (a bachelor's in education, according to a news report) and a graduate degree from Christian Brothers University.[1][3] She began her career with Shelby County Government in 2000 as a health programs manager.[3]

Kuhn was elected Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk in 2018, defeating incumbent Richard DeSaussure with 58.6% of the vote, and was re-elected in 2022 with 62.0%.[1][2] After taking office, she and colleagues found unaccounted-for checks and files, and she launched an audit of the clerk's office. She also said the office had a low number of criminal-record expungements.[5]

Kuhn did not seek re-election as clerk in 2026, and Ballotpedia lists her term as ending September 1, 2026. She ran for Shelby County mayor and lost the May 5, 2026 Democratic primary to Mickell Lowery.[1][2][3] She won the August 6, 2026 Democratic primary for the 8th District with 51.8% of the vote against three opponents, and WSMV reports she was endorsed by outgoing Rep. Steve Cohen. She describes herself as a lifelong public servant and community leader.[6][2][4]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21.