In Rutherford County, the 2026 elections are shaping up to be a dynamic affair, with nine incumbents set to glide through the ballots unopposed. As of February 19, the deadline for candidates to submit their petitions for the Republican and Democratic primaries on May 5 has passed. Independents will have their turn in the spotlight come August.
Among those cruising without competition are County Commissioners Steve Pearcy, Rick Hall, Philip Wilson, and Wayne Irvin. Joining them are Rutherford County Clerk Lisa Crowell, Register of Deeds Heather Dawbarn, and three Murfreesboro City Schools board members-Barbara Hutchins Long, Karen Dodd, and Amanda Moore-each running for one of the three available seats.
This year, a whopping 47 candidates are vying for the 21-seat county commission, with a total of 74 candidates eyeing county commission and other elected roles. It's a packed race, as noted by Rutherford County Commissioner of Elections Alan Farley, who highlighted the increased interest compared to previous elections. The county school board and the 21 commissioner districts are drawing significant attention.
The race for Rutherford County Sheriff is particularly heated, with five candidates stepping up to fill the shoes of current Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, who announced last September that he wouldn't seek re-election.
Here’s a closer look at the candidates for the county commission and other key positions:
County Commission Candidates:
- District 1: David Gammon (R), Jamie Knight (R), Hope Oliver (D)
- District 2: Steve Pearcy (R)
- District 3: Rick Hall (R)
- District 4: Brian Burns (R), James Lehew (D), Robert Peay Jr.
(R), Michael Rodgers (R)
- District 5: Laura Davidson (I), Jeffrey Crum (D)
- District 6: Eddie Arnold (R), Danielle Nadeau (D), Jonathan Beverly (R)
- District 7: Michael Kusch (R), Catherine Thomas (D)
- District 8: William Tollett (R), John Gaessler (R), Jennifer Burke (D)
- District 9: Joshua James (R), Jacob Malmstrom (D), Carson Stem (I)
- District 10: Philip Wilson (R)
- District 11: Anthony Johnson (R), Wayne Sharpe (D)
- District 12: Carl Boyd (R), Celest Davis (D)
- District 13: Brendan Doughtie (D), Brian Stoll (R)
- District 14: Wayne Irvin (R)
- District 15: Chalanda Woods-Walker (D), Shawn McGowan (R)
- District 16: Phil Dodd (R), Cathy Watts (D)
- District 17: Sean Gilliland (D), Terrence Hodge (R)
- District 18: Diana Carter (D), Allen McAdoo (R), Eddie Sanders (I)
- District 19: William “Pat” Clements (D), Romel McMurry (I)
- District 20: Trey Gooch (R), Josh Walker (D)
- District 21: Ashley Benkarski (D), Laura Blackwell Clark (D), Jeffery Lloyd (R), Clarence Santini Sr.
(R)
Rutherford County Sheriff Candidates:
- Kenneth Barrett (R)
- Trey Mansfield (R)
- Steve Spence (R)
- Kevin Dodds (I)
- James Rankin (I)
Other Key Positions:
- Rutherford County Trustee: Thomas Batey (R)
- Rutherford County Mayor: Joe Carr (R), Craig Harris (R), Randy Allen (R)
- Rutherford County Clerk: Lisa Crowell (R)
- Circuit Court Clerk: Jeff McKinney (R), Melissa Harrell (R)
- Rutherford County Register of Deeds: Heather Dawbarn (R)
Rutherford County Schools Board Candidates:
- Zone 1: Chuck Isbell (R), Tammy Sharp (R), Jeanice McCord (D), Sumatra Drayton (I)
- Zone 4: Katie Darby (R), Brian Hall (D), Dayna Nichols (I), Clarissa Smith (R)
- Zone 7: Frances Rosales (R), Jonathan Yancey (D), Julie Wishing (R)
With a full slate of candidates and plenty of seats up for grabs, Rutherford County's 2026 elections promise to be a thrilling ride. Whether you're a political junkie or a casual observer, there's no shortage of drama to keep an eye on as the races unfold.