Memphis lawmaker G.A. Hardaway dies after short illness

State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, who had a reputation as a fierce advocate for his Memphis community, civil rights and crime victims, died early Friday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center at the age of 71. 

Hardaway’s family announced his death in a statement, but provided no cause of death. 

Tributes poured in Friday. 

On X, Gov. Bill Lee said, “Maria Lee and I are deeply saddened by the death of Representative GA Hardaway, a friend and dedicated public servant who faithfully represented Memphis in the General Assembly for nearly 20 years.

“We pray God’s comfort & blessing over his family & loved ones during this time.”

“G.A. had a way about him that you cannot teach. He was strong but gentle, firm in his convictions yet kind in his spirit,” wrote House Minority Leader Karen Camper in a statement. “He carried the weight of this work with grace, and he never forgot where he came from or whom he was sent here to serve.”

“Hardaway drew inspiration from the men and women who fought for civil rights and equality before him, and he used the power of his office to honor their sacrifices by continuing the push for justice for all,” said Sen. Raumesh Akbari, a Memphis Democrat. “G.A. was not afraid to speak hard truths to power. If he believed an action would harm the people he served or the community he loved, he would say so — plainly and without hesitation.”

“For years, State Representative G.A. Hardaway served with integrity, fighting to ensure every Tennessean had a voice in their government,” Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Rachel Campbell said in a statement. “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.”

Rep. John Gillespie, a Memphis Republican, posted on Facebook, “It is with great sadness that we honor the passing of fellow Memphian and State Representative G.A. Hardaway. He cared deeply for the city of Memphis, and my prayers and condolences are with his family.

A Democrat, Hardaway won a special election to House District 92 in 2007, serving one full term before defeating incumbent Democratic Rep. Mike Kernell to serve District 93 until his death. 

He was a native of Meridian, Mississippi, and earned a bachelor of science degree from DePaul University. 

Hardaway was active in a number of community and civil rights organizations, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the NAACP, and the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences. He served as political director of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a progressive group founded by the late Jesse Jackson.

This is a developing story and will be updated.