Rutherford County, TN — County Commissioner Craig Harris has officially announced his candidacy for
Rutherford County Mayor in the May 2026 Republican Primary. Harris enters the race with a platform
rooted in conservative values, fiscal responsibility, and a clear vision to manage growth, strengthen public
safety, and preserve what makes Rutherford County a great place to live.
“I’m honored and excited to launch my campaign for Rutherford County Mayor,” said Harris. “This
county is my home — it’s where I’ve raised my family, built a business, created jobs, and coached the
next generation. I’m ready to take the next step in service, working with our citizens to protect our values
and plan for our future.”
First elected to the County Commission in 2018, Harris’s decision to enter public service was shaped by
personal experience. After witnessing the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic, including on his own
family, he led the charge to have Rutherford County strategically join lawsuits against opioid
manufacturers. These efforts resulted in major financial settlements and the creation of the Rutherford
Opioid Board, which Harris chairs.
“Launching the Rutherford Opioid Board has been one of the most impactful efforts of my public
service,” Harris said. “We’ve partnered with our schools to reach over 30,000 students through K–12 drug
education, supported nonprofits working on the front lines, and seen real decreases in drug-related deaths
and suicides. It shows what’s possible when we work together with a shared vision.”
Harris’s leadership extends beyond public health. As Chairman of the Steering, Legislative, and
Government Affairs Committee, he helped secure tens of millions in alternative revenue sources to reduce
the burden on property taxpayers. As a member of the Budget Committee, he played a key role in
achieving a AAA bond rating for the county — the highest possible — while supporting historic pay
increases for law enforcement and first responders.
“While we’ve made real progress by working closely with our state legislative delegation to pass policies
that benefit Rutherford County, the challenges of overdevelopment, public safety, and protecting our
values remain,” Harris said. “I’m ready to lead with vision, discipline, and action — and I believe our best
days are ahead.”
Outside of his role as Commissioner, Harris has also been a devoted football coach, most recently serving
as Defensive Coordinator at Middle Tennessee Christian School. He lives in Murfreesboro with his wife
Suzanne, a registered nurse. They have three children, Reagan, Trey, and Seth, and are active members of
New Vision Baptist Church.