May 2026 Endorsed Candidates

We are thrilled to endorse Scotty Bush as a candidate for our Sumner County School Board. Scotty has spent nearly four decades serving Sumner County as a firefighter and public safety leader, rising through the ranks to lead the Hendersonville Fire Department. His career of frontline service and commitment to protecting families reflects the kind of experienced, common-sense leadership our community needs.

We are proud to endorse Rob Wheeler for Sumner County School Board, District 5. With nearly four decades of experience working with school systems and prior service on the Sumner County School Board, Rob brings valuable insight into the challenges facing our teachers and students. He believes in supporting educators, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and making thoughtful decisions that keep our schools safe and strong. Rob’s professionalism, experience, and servant leadership make him an outstanding choice to help guide the future of Sumner County schools.

We are proud to endorse Andy Daniels for the Sumner County School Board. Andy is currently serving on the board and has led as Chairman for the past two years,

providing steady and experienced leadership during a time of growth and change. As both a graduate and parent of Sumner County Schools, Andy brings a personal

commitment to student success along with a focus on raising expectations, supporting individual student success, and driving continuous improvement across the system. We know Andy will continue to bring thoughtful, solutions-focused leadership to ensure our schools remain strong and continue to improve for every student.

We are proud to endorse Kat Stuart for the Sumner County School Board. Kat has been serving on the board since 2024, they have quickly demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting students, teachers, and families across our district. (We think she may have a clone - she's everywhere and always showing up for our schools!) Kat is focused on advancing competitive teacher pay to recruit and retain the very best, strengthening CTE (career and technical education) programs, improving support for special education, and ensuring safe and secure schools. We know Kat will continue to bring thoughtful, student-centered leadership to help our school system grow stronger and better serve every child.

We are proud to endorse David Wilkerson for the Sumner County School Board. David brings decades of leadership experience in healthcare, including serving as Senior

Director of Surgical Services at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, along with prior service on the school board (2018 to 2022). With deep roots in Westmoreland, a family legacy in education, and personal experience volunteering in our schools, David is committed to representing both students and teachers and ensuring every child sees a path to future opportunity. We know David will bring thoughtful, experienced leadership focused on supporting students, educators, and the continued success of our schools.

We are proud to endorse Jimmy Overton for the Sumner County Commission. Jimmy has devoted decades to serving this community and understands the real challenges facing local families and businesses. His experience in public service and local business, along with his commitment to responsible leadership, make him a strong advocate for the long-term success of Sumner County. We know Jimmy will bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to county government and work to ensure that Sumner County continues to thrive.

Joe Matthews is running to be a true representative of the people of District 12! A former Sumner County Commissioner who serves with our Sheriff’s Department, Joe brings firsthand experience in public service and a deep understanding of our community. He believes a commissioner’s role is to listen, present the facts, and

ultimately vote in alignment with the will of the district he represents. With a focus on infrastructure, responsible growth, balanced budgets, and respectful collaboration, Joe Matthews will bring professionalism, integrity, and dignity to Sumner County government.

We are proud to endorse Chris Tarlecky for the Sumner County Commission. Chris has spent nearly three decades serving the citizens of Sumner County through the Sheriff’s Office and now serves as Director of Animal Services, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to public service. His involvement in the community, including support for the Portland food pantry and the Biblioburro reading program, reflects his dedication to serving others both on and off the job. Chris is running to continue that service, and we know he will bring a steady, dependable, and community-focused approach to our county government.