MURFREESBORO, TN — Retired Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold officially announced Tuesday that he is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, (TN-04) launching a hard-hitting campaign focused on law enforcement, restoring justice, and standing up to political abuse within the Department of Justice while being a strong ally to President Trump and a true, and effective, representative of Middle TN in Congress.

Arnold is drawing sharp contrast with Washington insiders by highlighting his unique background — as a former sheriff who’s spent years fighting crime on the ground, and as one of only two political figures in America — alongside President Donald Trump — who have been prosecuted by Jack Smith, the special counsel now at the center of multiple controversial indictments.

“President Trump and I know firsthand what it’s like to be targeted by Jack Smith,” said Arnold. “We both went through politically motivated attacks from the same out-of-control prosecutor. I’ve seen how the justice system is being weaponized — and I won’t sit back and let it continue.”

A Campaign to Restore Justice and Public Safety and Public Trust in Congress

Arnold says his campaign will center on three urgent missions:

Fix the DOJ and End Political Prosecutions
Arnold is calling for immediate reforms to the Department of Justice, including:
• Accountability for Jack Smith and any federal prosecutors who abuse their power
• Ending politically motivated investigations targeting conservatives
• Restoring public trust by bringing real oversight and transparency to the DOJ

“We need a Department of Justice that prosecutes criminals — not political opponents.”

Tackle Crime with Proven Law Enforcement Experience
As sheriff, Arnold managed one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties and led initiatives on drug enforcement, jail operations, and public safety. In Congress, he pledges to:
• Crack down on violent crime, fentanyl, and open border trafficking
• Support and expand law enforcement funding across the country
• Push back against anti-police rhetoric coming from the far left

“I’ve worn the badge. I know what it takes to protect our communities — and Congress desperately needs that experience.”

Replace a Disconnected Congressman, restore voters’ faith and trust in their representatives
Arnold criticized the current Republican incumbent for failing to deliver for key areas of the district, despite over a decade of service, — and for playing along with DC dysfunction. Arnold pointed out that while the incumbent led many to believe he was for term limits, he’s becoming a career politician.

“While Congress shuts down the government and fails to get anything done, Tennessee families are getting crushed by inflation, crime, and lawlessness,” said Arnold. “We need fighters, not placeholders.”

Shared Experience with President Trump — Without the Politics
Arnold emphasized that this campaign is not about endorsements or political stunts — it's about real-world experience and shared purpose.

“This isn’t about politics — it’s about justice. President Trump and I share the same story: we were both targeted by Jack Smith. That’s not a coincidence — that’s a pattern. The American people are sick of a two-tiered justice system, and I’m running to help fix it.” 

Background on Robert Arnold
• Served as Sheriff of Rutherford County, TN, leading law enforcement operations in the state’s 3rd largest Sheriff’s office.
• Brings firsthand experience with DOJ overreach, having faced prosecution under Jack Smith during Smith’s time as U.S. Attorney in Tennessee. Jack Smith used the same
supporting attorney team against Arnold as he did against President Trump
• Pledges to bring the fight to Washington to restore accountability, protect law enforcement, and put the American people first.
• Father of 4
• Pro-Life, Pro-Gun, Christian

He is opposing 8-term US House Republican candidate Dr. Scott DeJarlais.