Murfreesboro resident Tim Rudd has announced his candidacy for 34th District state representative. Rudd seeks to replace Rep. Rick Womick, who previously stated that he is not seeking re-election.

"Representative Womick has been a steadfast conservative voice for our community, and I sincerely thank him for his service. We need to elect another proven, trusted, conservative leader as our next state representative. As state representative, I will stand for the conservative values we hold dear," Rudd said.

Rudd has lived in Rutherford County for 47 years, and as a long-time small business owner, he has been an affiliate broker with Coldwell Banker Snow and Wall for 17 years. He has worked with numerous local civic groups and charity events, and he currently serves Rutherford County as a member of the Correctional Workhouse Board as well as the Equalization Board. Rudd graduated from Smyrna High School and attended MTSU. He is a Methodist.

Rudd has also been active in the Rutherford County Republican Party for many years. "I've worked tirelessly over the last 30 years to elect conservatives to local and state office. I've canvassed neighborhoods, made phone calls, put up signs, managed campaigns, and done just about everything one can do to help get good people elected. Our next state representative must be someone who is dedicated to supporting our shared conservative values," he said.

Tim Rudd has an extensive record of supporting conservative issues. He was first elected to represent Rutherford County on the Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee in 1994, and he was re-elected to another four-year term in 2014. "I was proud to propose the resolution that prohibited the state Republican Party from giving funds to candidates who supported a state income tax. Being a leader isn't about making everyone happy, it's about doing the right thing for the right reasons," he said.

Rudd served as retiring Rep. Rick Womick's campaign manager, and he has worked in every Republican nominee's campaign for what is now called the 34th district since 1986, including the campaigns of Jean Hurt, Rep. Mike Liles, Rep. Mae Beavers, Rep. Donna (Rowland) Barrett, Rep. Pat Marsh and Sen. Bill Ketron.

Rudd is pro-life, pro-second amendment, pro-traditional marriage, and he is a fiscal conservative. "It will take proven conservative Republican leadership to keep Tennessee on the right track. You can count on me to oppose wasteful spending and excessive regulation, and I'll fight to keep tax rates among the lowest in America," he said.

"As a small business owner, I know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Low taxes and fewer government regulations are essential for job growth and small business creation. As your state representative, you can count on me to fight to make Tennessee the best possible environment for new businesses to be established and existing businesses to thrive. I will be a champion for small business in the state legislature," he continued.

Rudd's father died suddenly many years ago, and he is now the primary caregiver for his elderly mother. "I understand what it means to care for family, and you can count on me to work to address the needs of our senior citizens and parents," Rudd said.

He will work to strengthen our public schools by empowering parents and opposing Common Core in any form. "I believe that local families and teachers know what is best for our children, not federal and state bureaucrats. I will fight against federal overreach into our schools," he said.

The Republican Primary will be held on August 4th; early voting runs from July 15th through July 30th.