Brent Taylor's Sexting Problem

State Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) has sent unsolicited nude photos as recently as 2021. He dismisses his past sexual advances as “youthful indiscretions” that marked his 30-year marriage. 

Multiple sources say they had received or seen nude photos from Taylor, who is running for U.S. Congress in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District. Taylor acknowledged to the Scene that he had sent nude photos in the past but dismissed them as mistakes that have since been forgiven by his wife Kimberly.

“As I near 60 years old, the expiration date has come and gone on any of my youthful indiscretions,” Taylor tells the Scene when asked about a history of texting nude pictures. “Whatever story you think you’ve got, my wife is well aware of and we’ve worked through it a long time ago. My god and my wife have forgiven me, and I would consider everyone else doing the same.”

One individual — who requested anonymity, citing fear of retaliation — says they received an unsolicited nude picture from Taylor as recently as 2021, before he was elected to the state Senate. A second eyewitness source independently confirmed the nude photos sent by Taylor. At that time, Taylor was 53.

“All I can tell you is, in the past, I’ve been guilty of being a rounder, back in the day,” Taylor tells the Scene.

Taylor repeatedly used the term “rounder” to describe his past behavior. When pressed about that description — likely meaning a barfly prone to morally dubious behavior — Taylor encouraged the Scene to look it up.

A history of sexual impropriety, specifically unsolicited nude photos, conflicts with Taylor's campaign reputation as a Christian family man and dedicated husband. 

State Republicans redrew West Tennessee’s congressional seats in May to favor their own party. Taylor's political base in Shelby County helped him beat Williamson County state Rep. Todd Warner in August's GOP primary. Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) has pulled closer to Taylor in recent months, though polling and forecasts still favor Taylor to join Tennessee’s next congressional delegation.

Eli Motycka can be reached at emotycka@nashvillescene.com.