RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - Randy Allen is stepping into the 2026 race for Rutherford County Mayor, bringing a long résumé of community service, business experience, and nonprofit leadership to a campaign he says is rooted in restoring trust and strengthening the county’s future.

Allen, who currently serves as Chief Operations Officer for Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity, says his decision to run comes from years of working alongside families, civic groups, and local leaders to improve life across the county. At Habitat, he oversees daily operations and helps guide the organization’s mission of offering “a hand-up, not a handout” to residents working toward homeownership. He also chairs the Rutherford County Wellness Council and is a past president of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club, the county’s oldest civic organization. A 2016 graduate of Leadership Rutherford, Allen says these roles have shaped his understanding of what strong, steady leadership looks like.

When it comes to issues that are most important to voters, Allen says his top priority is restoring trust, integrity, and professionalism in county government. He points to quality of life, fiscal responsibility, and access to good jobs as key areas where he hopes to make an impact.

Allen noted, “In my experience, these are critical factors, not partisan issues. I’m running as a Republican to bring servant leadership to the mayor’s office and empower officials to act on these concerns. I’ve spent my career bringing people together to improve our community, and I look forward to continuing this effort as Rutherford County’s next Mayor.”

Allen’s career spans retail, manufacturing, management, small business job creation, workforce development, and nonprofit governance. He says those experiences have taught him how to improve efficiency, reduce expenses, and strengthen the mission of every organization he’s served.

“Putting Rutherford County citizens in a position to be successful, with a renewed focus on integrity, truth, and transparency, is paramount to finding positive solutions for our long-term success,” he said.

A lifelong conservative with deep roots in the county, Allen and his wife Cynthia are both MTSU alumni. Cynthia works in community education focused on protecting local streams and water quality and currently serves as President of the Stones River Watershed Association. The couple remains active in several local organizations and says their faith guides their commitment to service.

Allen said, “Cynthia and I are committed to the success of Rutherford County and its citizens. We look forward to working with everyone to find positive solutions to the issues facing those who live and work here.”

Rutherford County mayoral candidate Randy Allen says he’s eager to meet residents across the county as the campaign season begins. Early voting in the Republican primary starts April 15, with Election Day set for May 5, 2026.