Local Races Begin Taking Shape as Candidates Pick Up Petitions

Multiple potential candidates have picked up petitions from the Carroll County Election Commission , and the 2026 local election cycle is beginning to take shape.

Several races are already showing signs they could become contentious, including the races for Sheriff, Road Supervisor, and Register of Deeds, while others may draw additional candidates as the qualifying period continues.

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Sheriff

As of January 5, four candidates have picked up petitions to run for Carroll County Sheriff.

Current Sheriff Andy Dickson has publicly stated that he does not intend to seek re-election in 2026, leaving the office open.

Those who have picked up petitions include Timothy Wayne Pratt and Eric W. Sawyers, both of whom are seeking the Republican nomination, as well as Michael Anthony Smith and Charles Ryan White, who will run as independents.

Republican candidates will compete in the Republican Primary on May 5, while independent candidates would advance directly to the general election if they qualify.

Road Supervisor

The race for Road Supervisor is also shaping up to be competitive.

In 2024, the Carroll County Commission voted to reduce the number of road supervisors from two positions to one, aligning the county with the structure used in all other Tennessee counties.

With only one seat now available, multiple candidates have already picked up petitions, including William Jason Longmire, Otis N. Nesbitt, and Ronald A. Wade, who is currently serving as one of the Road Supervisors.

If all candidates qualify, the race is guaranteed to be contested.

Register of Deeds

At this time, one individual has picked up a petition for Register of Deeds. Chad Barnhart has taken out papers to run for the office as a Republican.

Current Register of Deeds, Natalie McCullough Porter has announced that she will run for re-election.

Carroll County Mayor

County Mayor. Joseph G. Butler has taken out papers to seek the Republican nomination for the office. As of this writing no other candidates have picked up petitions.

Other County Positions

Several other countywide offices currently have a single potential candidate.

John Austin has picked up a petition to run for Assessor of Property, Sarah Bradberry has done so for Circuit Court Clerk, and Paula R. Bolen has picked up a petition to run for County Trustee as an independent.

Each County Commission district elects two commissioners.

Candidates who have picked up petitions include Will Randolph McMackin in District 3; Morris L. Rogers in District 4; Cyril Hutt Ostiguy and Barry Mac Murphy in District 5; Kurt Thomas Hunley in District 6; Lori Dillahunty in District 7; and Jason Rance Martin and Spiridon Leonidas Roditis in District 9.

School Boards

Several school board races have also begun to take shape.

Two candidates, Eric Daniel Gonzalez and April M. Hampton, have picked up petitions for the Hollow Rock–Bruceton School Board District 16 at-large seat.

The Huntingdon School Board race has two potential candidates, Morgan G. Butler and Shawna Barger Smith. Both currently serve on the board and are seeking re-election.

Patrick E. Lindsey and Paul Robert Mueller have picked up petitions for seats on the West Carroll School Board.

Samuel Melton has taken out papers for the South Carroll School Board.

Charlotte M. Tucker has also picked up a petition for the County School Board District 3 seat.

Picking up a petition is the first step in the election process and does not guarantee a candidate will appear on the ballot. Candidates must still return completed petitions with the required number of valid signatures by the filing deadline. Additional candidates may continue to enter races as the qualifying period remains open.

Completed petitions must be returned to the Carroll County Election Commission by noon on February 19 in order for a candidate to qualify. Republican candidates who qualify will appear on the Republican Primary ballot, while independent candidates who qualify will advance directly to the general election.

The County Primary Election is scheduled for May 5, with the general election to follow in August.

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Local Races Begin Taking Shape as Candidates Pick Up Petitions

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