JB Smiley Jr. has always aimed higher. Now he's going for the Democratic gubernatorial bid The Citizen 4 years ago JB Smiley Jr. has focused on support for abortion access, LGBTQ rights and has portrayed himself as a more tolerant alternative to Gov. Bill Lee. Source: The Daily News Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. enters Democratic race for Tennessee governorDateSeptember 8, 2021In relation toLascassasChallenge to Democratic governor candidate Jason Martin's bonafides fails to go to full voteDateApril 9, 2022In relation toLascassasRep. Harold Love Jr. urges community over chaos at MTSU MLK observanceDateJanuary 22, 2020In relation toLascassas