Mayoral candidate Charles Carpenter walked into the office of OccuMed at 1785 Nonconnah Blvd., and ordered a drug test on Wednesday morning.

After saying he would submit to a drug test during a recent televised debate, attorney Charles Carpenter followed through on Wednesday. He authorized the release of the results, which take 24 hours. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

“Due to the significant public interest and because of the extreme importance of this mayoral race, I have decided to submit to voluntary drug screening and give the medical provider the authority to immediately release the results to the media,” Carpenter said in a written statement.

“It is obvious to me citizens of Memphis take drug tests before being hired for almost any job, and I feel that all elected officials should be held to the same standard.”

During a recently televised mayoral debate and in response to a question, all the participating candidates said they would submit to a drug test.

“I am keeping my commitment and showing leadership and following through with this promise,” said Carpenter.

He challenged all others who are serious about “becoming the CEO of Memphis” to follow suit.

For attorney Carpenter, it seemed to be a day for challenges. He later challenged County Mayor AC Wharton to a “one-on-one” televised debate, citing reports that Wharton will not participate in further debates and may avoid future candidate forums because of the large number of “non-serious” candidates in the race.