Joe Carr Seeks Second Term as Rutherford County Mayor

Today, after a lot of prayer and consulting with friends and colleagues I am pleased to be announcing my candidacy for a second term as Rutherford County Mayor.

My first term allowed me to implement a solid foundation on conservative financial principles, that bolstered public health and safety and increased the quality of life for all Rutherford County citizens.

In less than four years, we have conquered an inherited $64 million budget deficit and, for the first time in history, have experienced real balanced budgets with employee raises for three consecutive years, and achieved AAA bond ratings from the three major credit rating agencies.

Rutherford County is closer to achieving solid waste independence with the completion of a $17 million, 12,500-square-foot transfer station, which was completed $3 million under budget and achieved a first-month operating profit of over $80,000. My campaign promise to implement solid waste solutions and prevent landfill expansion is clearly demonstrated with every transaction completed at the transfer station.

Soon, five Public Health and Safety buildings will be completed and fully staffed, with ambulance and fire personnel. These buildings will allow public safety teams to decrease response times because they are located in the communities they serve. The facilities also function as storm shelters during severe weather.

We recently broke ground on a $15 million state-of-the-art regional forensic center facility that will aid law enforcement in death investigations.

Education continues to be a top priority by funding over $200 million expansion for four Rutherford County high schools, constructing an elementary school, and starting construction on a new middle school.

We’ve been able to achieve these successes because of the commitment, collaboration, and expertise of the county’s employees who display an unwavering dedication to community service.

This election is a referendum on our policies and achievements and an opportunity for us to make sure the county stays on an upward trajectory of fiscal responsibility and ensure tax dollars are frugally spent. Together, we will continue to take Rutherford County from good to great and continue to be the best county to live, work, go to school and raise a family.

Recent events have caused the country to experience cultural and political division that isn’t a reflection of who we are. My legislative experience with illegal immigration issues shows my commitment to make this a safe and productive home for all Rutherford Countians.

I’ve stated before that people without a vision will perish, that’s why I ran, to solve problems and to implement a vision for all of Rutherford County that we can be proud of.

I’m running for a second term so we can finish what we’ve started. I humbly ask for your continued support and hope I have earned the right to receive your vote during the Republican Primary on May 5,2026.

My full announcement can be found at https://carr4tn.com/

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