One candidate so far jumps into race for Rutherford County's added state lawmaker seat

Rutherford County Commissioner Robert Stevens launched his Republican campaign for a state lawmaker seat before new boundaries were official.

The Tennessee General Assembly approved the new House of Representatives District 13 this week for a fast-growing Rutherford County that already had four House seats — held by Republicans — for Districts 34, 37, 48 and 49.

The primary is Aug. 4, followed by the general election on Nov. 8.

The new district will run north to south on the western side of Rutherford, said Alan Farley, administrator of elections for the county.

"It is a large part of the new growth that has occurred in the west and southwestern portion of the county," Farley said.

Stevens isn't alone in election excitement.

Eagleville area resident Jeff Davidson, a retired Army colonel and past deputy to former Republican Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, said he's also thinking about running. If he does, Davidson would compete in the GOP primary.

Rutherford County Democratic Party Chairperson Cathy Watts said her party has every intent to have a candidate in the District 13 race. The county could easily have one or two House Districts represented by Democrats if the boundaries were drawn different than the way Republicans drew them in the GOP-controlled Tennessee General Assembly, Watts said.

"They obviously drew these lines hoping to favor Republicans," Watts added.

Rutherford County Republican Party Chairperson Austin Maxwell said it's possible more GOP candidates will emerge.

District 13 covers most of La Vergne and parts of Smyrna. The boundary includes all or much of the Burnt Knob, Stewarts Creek, Almaville, Blackman, Rockvale and Eagleville areas down to state Route 99 (Salem Pike).

Stevens, Davidson tout records as county leaders

Stevens on Jan. 5 showed the proposed map while asking for the vote prior to the start of the Rutherford County Commission's Steering, Legislative & Governmental Committee meeting with state lawmakers at the county courthouse.

A Smyrna resident and attorney, Stevens said he'll complete his final term as a commissioner, dating back to 2010, while he campaigns for the House District 13 seat.

“I’m a lifelong conservative Republican, and I am 100% pro-life and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment,” Stevens said, adding he will oppose the policies of President Joe Biden. "Since I was elected to the county commission, I have consistently been the most conservative commissioner, I have opposed wasteful spending and property tax increases while supporting more transparency in government and promoting ethical decision making.”

Stevens could face competition from Davidson.

As deputy to the mayor, Davidson helped the county establish a probation service after the arrangement with the private PCC stopped because of a federal lawsuit. Davidson also assisted the county in expanding alternative sentencing through recovery courts, including Veterans Treatment Court and Mental Health Court.

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing [email protected] or calling 615-278-5158. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden.

Election dates

• Primary for offices in Rutherford County: May 3

• Election for offices in Rutherford County and Murfreesboro, and primaries for state and federal offices: Aug. 4

• Election for federal, state, Eagleville, La Vergne and Smyrna offices: Nov. 8

Source: Rutherford County Election Commission

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Rutherford County gains TN lawmaker seat with one candidate so far