2026 Republican Primary: Batey and Williams Face Off in the 2026 Dickson County Mayor’s Race

Dickson, TN — For the first time in years, the race for Dickson County Mayor is wide open — and two longtime county commissioners are competing in a Republican primary that could ultimately decide who wins this race.

With Mayor Bob Rial stepping away, the 2026 election represents a true transition moment. Under the county’s newer partisan structure, voters will first decide the Republican nominee in the May 5 primary, with the winner advancing to the August general election. That earlier timeline has already pushed campaigning into high gear — and both Republican candidates, Stacey Batey and Danny Williams, are offering voters distinct visions rooted in experience.

Listed here in alphabetical order:

Stacey Batey

Stacey Batey brings more than a decade and a half of county government experience to the race. A 16-year County Commissioner, Batey has served in multiple districts and previously held several leadership roles.

Born at the old Dickson General Hospital and raised in the county, Batey’s family has deep ties to this area. His family line goes back generations. He graduated from Dickson County High School in 1985 before attending UT Martin, where he played baseball and originally planned to teach and coach.

His campaign priorities include:

Strong Public Schools

Two of Batey’s daughters work in Dickson County Schools — one as an instructional coach and one as a special education teacher. He spoke openly about concerns regarding teacher retention, particularly as neighboring counties can offer higher salaries. Batey has said the county must explore ways to keep educators in Dickson — whether through pay, benefits, or working conditions — and he has questioned whether increasing state testing pressures are contributing to burnout.

Growth and Zoning

He acknowledges that the county’s population growth has exceeded earlier projections and says zoning policies may need adjustment to better manage rural development and housing expansion.

Infrastructure and Cooperation

Batey frequently highlights the importance of working relationships. He stresses that the county mayor does not act alone — the 12-member County Commission holds legislative authority — and he believes his 16 years on the commission uniquely position him to build consensus. He often sums up his approach as “conversation, not confrontation.”

Personal Life

Outside of government, Batey owns and operates Curvy Road Sawmill, a timber business he runs with his brother. He presents that background as proof he understands local jobs, payroll realities, and business pressures.

Danny Williams

Danny Williams also brings extensive public service experience to the mayor’s race. A former Mayor of White Bluff and current County Commissioner for District 10, Williams frames his campaign around fiscal conservatism and infrastructure knowledge.

Williams often begins his story with his family’s deep Dickson County roots, tracing his ancestry back to early settlers along Yellow Creek in the early 1800s. That historical connection, he says, reflects a long-standing commitment to the county.

During his eight years as Mayor of White Bluff, Williams says the town experienced significant growth without raising property taxes — a record he frequently cites as evidence of budget discipline.

His campaign priorities include:

Smart Growth Management

Williams argues that growth is inevitable, but must be managed responsibly. He advocates:

• Directing higher-density development toward incorporated cities with established infrastructure.

• Protecting farmland and rural character in unincorporated areas.

• Avoiding unchecked urban sprawl.

Fiscal Conservatism

Williams emphasizes disciplined budgeting and long-term planning, promising to keep taxes low while responsibly managing county finances.

Strong Schools with Parental Choice

He supports strong public schools but also openly acknowledges homeschooling and private education as legitimate choices for families.

Personal Life

Professionally, Williams has spent decades in the utility and construction industry, including water, sewer, and road projects. Through his company, Underground Piping Construction, he has overseen infrastructure projects across Middle Tennessee. He regularly describes himself as a “numbers guy” — someone who monitors budgets carefully and believes government should operate like a household: plan ahead and avoid overspending.

A Republican Primary That Could Decide the Race

Both candidates identify as conservative Republicans and share common ground on managing growth and supporting schools. However, their campaigns differ in tone and emphasis.

With the introduction of partisan primaries at the county level, the May 5 Republican primary may prove decisive, especially if turnout is lower than in traditional August elections.

For Republican voters, the question may come down to style and emphasis:
Do they prefer Batey or Williams’ approach?

We will find out the answer in May — and the winner could help define the next chapter of county leadership.