MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Jeff Wooden has announced his candidacy for Murfreesboro City Council in the August 2026 citywide election, pledging practical, experienced leadership focused on responsible growth, infrastructure improvements, strong public safety support, and protecting the city’s quality of life. A U.S. Navy veteran and public safety professional, Wooden brings decades of leadership experience in military service, emergency response, and crisis management. He has served as a volunteer paramedic and reserve deputy sheriff and has held senior policy and operational roles in national security and aviation environments.
“Murfreesboro is a strong and growing city,” Wooden said. “Growth creates opportunity, but it also places real demands on roads, infrastructure, and public safety. We need steady leadership that understands long-term planning and is committed to practical solutions over politics.
Wooden said managing growth responsibly will be a central focus of his campaign. As one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing cities, Murfreesboro continues to experience increased traffic congestion, development pressure, and expanding service demands.
“Responsible growth doesn’t mean stopping progress,” Wooden said. “It means coordinating development with infrastructure capacity and making thoughtful, data-driven decisions that protect our neighborhoods and our quality of life.”
Public safety will also remain a top priority, he said, emphasizing the importance of supporting first responders with adequate staffing, equipment, and long-term planning.
“Our firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel serve on the front lines every day,” Wooden said. “City leadership has a responsibility to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to serve safely and effectively.”
In addition to growth and public safety, Wooden cited transparency, fiscal responsibility, and responsive communication as guiding principles.
“Residents deserve clear communication and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” he said. “City government should focus on service delivery, infrastructure planning, and community engagement.”
Wooden said he plans to spend the coming months meeting with neighborhood groups, business leaders, first responders, and civic organizations to gather input and refine his priorities.
“This campaign is about listening to residents and working together to ensure Murfreesboro remains a safe, vibrant, and thriving community,” he said.
The Murfreesboro City Council election will be held in August 2026. The position is elected at large by city voters. Additional information about Wooden’s campaign can be found at JeffWoodenforCityCouncil.com.
