Nashville council elects Delicia Porterfield as president pro tem; Horton, Parker, Spain and Porterfield win key committee posts

Delicia Porterfield was elected president pro tem of the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County at the council’s meeting on Sept. 9, 2025, after Vice Mayor Henderson cast a tie-breaking vote. With Henderson’s tiebreak, Porterfield received 19 votes to Russ Bradford’s 18; one member abstained.

The vote followed nominating remarks highlighting experience and representation. Council member at-large Olivia Hill, who nominated Russ Bradford, said, “Representation matters not just what it symbolizes, but how that it shapes leadership, inclusion, and in just injustice,” arguing that pro temship would signal belonging for LGBTQ residents. Council member Quante Toombs, who nominated Delicia Porterfield, emphasized the role’s succession responsibilities and cited Porterfield’s work as budget and finance chair.

The election matters because the pro tem fills the vice mayor’s duties if needed and helps set tone and priorities for council leadership over the coming year.

Council also…