MEMPHIS — T.J. Hardaway was appointed to the Tennessee House of Representatives, succeeding his father, Rep. G.A. Hardaway. His father died in late April 2026, and Hardaway was sworn in approximately two weeks later.
He delivered his first speech on the Tennessee House floor from the seat his father had occupied. During this speech, Hardaway commemorated his father's opposition to a redistricting bill.
Hardaway is 32 years old. He studied interdisciplinary liberal arts at the University of Memphis, focusing on anthropology, studio art, and athletics. Hardaway has participated in football, rugby, and Olympic weightlifting.
Reflecting on his father's death, Hardaway recalled receiving a phone call to come to Nashville to see his dad. Hardaway said, "The way we were brought up was very much take on responsibility without hesitation." Hardaway also stated that he did not initially want to assume the role, but believed it was necessary due to his father's community investment. "I personally did not want that to happen. I feel like my dad had invested too much into the community. It could not have happened any other way than for one of us to step up and do the same thing." Hardaway said.
No independent assessment of T.J. Hardaway’s claims was available.