RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Michael Rodgers has announced his intent to run for Rutherford County Commissioner in District 4 for the 2026 election cycle.

Rodgers, a longtime county resident, has lived in Murfreesboro for nearly three decades. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Public Service from Lipscomb University. He is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, an advanced program for public-sector leadership and administration.

Rodgers traces his commitment to public service to his father, an Air Force veteran and police officer in Columbus, Mississippi, and his mother, who built a business supplying food products to U.S. military bases across the globe. He said that being raised by parents who exemplified service, responsibility, and duty to others left a lasting impact on his life and career.

Rodgers and his wife, Lora, who serves with Rutherford County Emergency Management, have one daughter who graduated from Providence Christian Academy before earning her degree from Tennessee Tech. Surrounded by firefighters, nurses, and law enforcement professionals within his extended family, Rodgers says those influences strengthen his belief in service-driven leadership and community accountability.

Rodgers currently serves on the board for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (Tennessee) and the Police Benevolence Association. He said his decision to run is based on a desire to support responsible growth, transparent local government, and long-range planning.

“Our county is experiencing rapid growth, and the decisions we make in the next few years will have long-term consequences,” Rodgers said. “We need planning that is realistic, transparent, and accountable to the people who live here.”

Rodgers began his public service career in 2007 and has worked in multiple roles within local law enforcement, including supervisory and administrative assignments.  He is currently a Lieutenant at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. He noted that his experience in leadership, policy development, grant management, budgeting, and interagency coordination has shaped his approach to problem-solving and public administration.

“This campaign will be about communication, responsible planning, and restoring confidence where residents feel it has been lost,” Rodgers said. “I want taxpayers to have clarity, I want projects to be prioritized responsibly, and I want residents to know their concerns are being heard.”

Rodgers also referenced recent concerns in the county over property-tax assessments, noting the need for accuracy and transparency in government processes. “Public confidence in the assessment process must be restored,” he said. “Accurate information and transparent procedures are essential. When people lose trust in the system, it becomes harder for the government to function effectively.”