Six Candidates Enter Dickson County Mayor’s Race as Filing Deadline Nears
Charlotte, TN — The race to become the next Dickson County Mayor is officially underway, and with the qualifying deadline approaching, voters are beginning to get their first look at what should be one of the county’s most competitive local elections in years.
Six candidates — Stacey Batey, Ray Ledger, Ben Shepard, Reggie Weaver, Danny Williams, and Caleb Wray — have announced campaigns to succeed current Mayor Bob Rial. Ben Shepard was the most recent to enter the race, announcing his candidacy over the weekend just days before the deadline, suggesting the field may now be set unless a last minute candidate emerges.
Important Election Dates
County election officials are urging both candidates and voters to pay attention to the timeline:
• Feb. 19, 2026 (Noon): Qualifying deadline for candidates
• Feb. 26, 2026 (Noon): Withdrawal deadline
• April 6, 2026: Voter registration deadline
• April 15–30, 2026: Early voting period
• April 25, 2026: Absentee ballot request deadline
• May 5, 2026: State & County Primary Election
• Aug. 6, 2026: General Election
The May primary will determine party nominees for several county positions, including County Mayor, Sheriff, Trustee, Clerk offices, Register of Deeds, General Sessions Court Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, County Commissioners (Wards 1–12), School Board seats in Wards 2, 4, and 6, and Circuit Court Judge (23rd Judicial District, Division IV).
A Wide-Open Contest
With no incumbent on the ballot, the mayor’s race is expected to draw strong public interest.
Local political observers say the campaign season will likely focus on growth, infrastructure, schools, recovery homes and the county budget — issues that have dominated recent county commission meetings as Dickson County continues to expand.
Over the next several months, candidates will campaign across the county, attend forums, and attempt to build name recognition before voters head to the polls.
The question now begins to shift from who is running… to who voters will choose to lead Dickson County into its next chapter.
This is a developing story. Check back for an update later this week.