Cathy Watts Announces Run for Rutherford County Commission District 16

Jan 02, 2026 at 06:51 pm by WGNS News


RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN — Cathy Watts announced today that she is running for Rutherford County Commission in District 16, pledging to bring committed, transparent, and community-focused leadership to county government.

Watts, a longtime resident of Rutherford County, has spent years working in local and state politics, including serving as County Chair of the Rutherford County Democratic Party and as treasurer for state and federal campaigns. She says her decision to run is driven by a desire to ensure county government works for everyday families.

“I’m running because our county is growing fast, and we need leaders who are focused on responsible growth, fiscal accountability, and making sure working families aren’t left behind,” said Watts. “County government should be transparent, accessible, and responsive to the people it serves.”

If elected, Watts says her priorities will include responsible development, infrastructure planning, affordable housing, and ensuring county services keep pace with growth. Watts is invested in finding a solution to our trash problem; continued use of the transfer station, restricting our landfill to only Rutherford County, and increasing recycling efforts. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and listening to residents across District 16.

“This campaign is about neighbors, not politics as usual,” Watts added. “I want to hear directly from residents about their concerns and work together to build a county government that reflects our shared values.”

Watts will begin meeting with voters throughout District 16 in the coming weeks. More information about her campaign will be announced soon.

Submitted by: Campaign for Cathy Watts, for Rutherford County Commission District 16

 

 

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