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.