Election Deadline: Who Qualified for 2026 RuCo Primary

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - The local political landscape for 2026 is officially taking shape following the passing of the qualifying deadline. At noon today (February 19th), the list of contenders was finalized for the upcoming Rutherford County Republican and Democratic primaries May 5th, as well as independent entries for the August 6th general election.

The ballot features a wide array of offices ranging from the County Mayor and Sheriff to seats on the County Commission and various school boards. While many races will see heated competition beginning in May, several long-standing incumbents are set to reclaim their positions without opposition.

High-Profile Challenges for Mayor and Sheriff

A significant shift is coming to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office as incumbent Mike Fitzhugh has declined to seek another term. The Republican primary will serve as a three-way battle between Kenneth Barrett, Trey Mansfield, and Steve Spence. The victor of that May 5th contest will move on to face independent candidates Kevin Dodds and James Rankin in the August 6th general election.

In the race for County Mayor, incumbent Republican Joe Carr faces a primary challenge from Craig Harris and Randy Allen. Because no Democratic challengers qualified for the seat, the winner of the May GOP primary is effectively secured as the county’s next mayor.

Judicial and Administrative Offices

The Circuit Court Clerk’s office will also see a primary showdown, with Republican incumbent Melissa Harrell being challenged by Jeff McKinney. Similar to the mayoral race, the lack of a Democratic opponent means the Republican primary winner will take the office.

Conversely, several administrative incumbents are coasting toward re-election. Trustee Teb Batey, County Clerk Lisa Crowell, and Register of Deeds Heather Dawbarn are all running unopposed this cycle.

Education Boards

The Rutherford County School Board will see competitive races across all three zones up for re-election.

Zone 1: Incumbent Tammy Sharp faces a GOP challenge from Chuck Isbell; the winner will meet Democrat Jeanice McCord and independent Sumatra Drayton in August.
Zone 4: Incumbent Katie Darby is challenged by Republican Clarissa Smith, with the winner advancing to face Democrat Brian Hall and independent Dayna Nichols in August.
Zone 7: Incumbent Frances Rosales faces a primary test from Julie Wishing, with Democrat Jonathan Yancy waiting for the general election.

In Murfreesboro, the City School Board election appears settled. Incumbents Barbara Hutchins Long, Amanda Moore, and Karen Dodd were the only qualifiers for the three available seats. While Long is running as a Republican and will appear on the May ballot, Moore and Dodd are running as independents and will only appear in August. All three are virtually guaranteed re-election.

Rutherford County Commission Primaries

Before the general election field is finalized for August, several Commission seats must first be decided during the May 5th county primaries. Of the 21 seats on the commission, 17 will be contested this year, while four candidates are running unopposed. Voters will encounter Republican primary contests in Districts 1, 4, 6, 8, and 21. Additionally, District 21 will feature the county's only Democratic primary of the cycle. These May 5th matchups will narrow the field for the August 6th general election, where the winners will face off against opposing party nominees and independent challengers.

District 1: Democratic incumbent Hope Oliver waits for the winner of the GOP primary between David Gammon and Jamie Knight.
District 2: Republican incumbent Stephen Pearcy is running unopposed.
District 3: Republican incumbent Rick Hall (who was appointed last year) is running unopposed.
District 4: Republican incumbent Robert Peay faces a primary challenge from Brian Burns and Michael Rodgers; the winner advances to face Will Lehew (D).
District 5: Independent incumbent Laura Davidson faces Democrat Jeffrey Crum in August.
District 6: Republican incumbent Jonathan Beverly and Eddie Arnold face off in May for the chance to run against Danielle Nadeau (D).
District 7: Republican incumbent Michael Kusch is challenged by Catherine Thomas (D).
District 8: Following incumbent Pettus Read’s decision to step down, Republicans Bill Tollett and John Gaessler battle for the nomination to face Jennifer Burke (D).
District 9: Republican incumbent Joshua James faces a three-way general election against Jacob Malmstrom (D) and Carson Stem (I).
District 10: Republican incumbent Phil Wilson is running without opposition.
District 11: Republican incumbent Anthony Johnson faces Wayne Sharpe (D).
District 12: Republican incumbent Carl Boyd is challenged by Celest Davis (D).
District 13: With incumbent Paul Johnson retiring, Republican Brian Stoll and Democrat Brendan Doughtie will compete in August.
District 14: Incumbent Wayne Irvin is running unopposed.
District 15: Following incumbent Craig Harris's move to the Mayoral race, Shawn McGowan (R) and Chalanda Woods Walker (D) will vie for the seat.
District 16: Republican incumbent Phil Dodd faces a challenge from Cathy Watts (D).
District 17: Incumbent and Commission Chair Jeff Phillips is not seeking re-election; Terry Hodge (R) and Sean Gilliland (D) will compete for the vacancy.
District 18: Republican incumbent Allen McAdoo faces Diana Carter (D) and Eddie Sanders (I).
District 19: Independent incumbent Romel McMurry is challenged by William "Pat" Clements (D).
District 20: Republican incumbent Trey Gooch faces Josh Walker (D).
District 21: With incumbent Chantho Sourinho stepping away, a double primary is set. Republicans Jeffery Lloyd and Clarence Santini will square off, while Democrats Ashley Benkarski and Laura Blackwell-Clark face each other in May.