The 2026 Dickson County Elections: A Quiet Ballot in Some Places — A Political Fight in Others

Charlotte, TN — The candidate list for the 2026 Dickson County elections reveals a ballot split into two very different stories.

In several offices, incumbents and office-seekers appear headed toward en easy election, or re-election. But in others — particularly the County Mayor’s race and several County Commission and School Board seats — voters will be deciding the direction of local government across the county.

Below is a full breakdown of every race on the ballot, with special attention to the contested ones likely to shape turnout and debate.

Dickson County Mayor

Candidates:
Stacey Batay (R)
Danny Williams (R)
Ray Ledger (I)
Ben Shepard (I)
Reginald “Reggie” Weaver (I)
Caleb Wray (I)

The race for County Mayor is the centerpiece of the 2026 election cycle. With six candidates — two Republicans and four independents — vying for the seat.

This race will almost certainly drive countywide turnout.

Dickson County Sheriff

Tim Eads (R)

Sheriff Tim Eads currently appears unopposed, positioning the incumbent for re-election.

Circuit Court Judge, 23rd Judicial District Div. IV

Joshua Turnbow (R)

No opposition filed.

Dickson County Commission

While the mayoral race will draw attention, the County Commission races will determine zoning decisions, budget approvals, and long-term development policy.

District 2 — One of the Most Competitive Races

Valerie Littleton (R)
Kenny McAllister (R)
Chad Brown (I)
John Gunn (I)
Daniel Spencer (I)

Five candidates make this one of the most unpredictable contests on the ballot. There is no incumbent on the ballot.

District 3

Dennis O’Shea (R)
Dwight McIlwain (I)

A straightforward head-to-head race. McIlwain is the Incumbent.

District 4

Joey Wenck (R)
Mark Dawson (I)
David Smith (I)

A three-candidate race with no incumbent.

District 12

Cindi Gray (R)
Johnnie Reed (R)

A same party contest that will be decided in the primary. Cindi Gray is the incumbent.

Districts With One Candidate Filed

District 1 — Randy Simpkins (R)

District 5 — James “Cotton” Dawson (R)

District 6 — Becky Spicer (I)

District 7 — Richard Riehn (R)

District 8 — Jody Britt (R)

District 9 — Michael Petty (R)

District 10 — John Stritikus (R)

District 11 — Daryl Lee “Rusty” Grove (I)

These seats appear settled.

Dickson County School Board

School Board races often receive less attention but directly influence eduction in the county.

District 2 (Districts 6 & 11)

Jerry Baker (R)
Walter “Chip” Gray (R)

A contested race within the same party that will be determined in the primary. There is no incumbent.

District 4 (Districts 8 & 9)

Philip Chadwick (R)
Christy Daniels (I)

A two-candidate race with the Philip Chadwick as the incumbent.

District 6 (Districts 4 & 5)

Aaron Parker (R) — no opposition

Constitutional Offices

Most constitutional offices feature only one candidate on the ballot:

Circuit Court Clerk — Pam Lewis (I)
General Sessions Court Clerk — Leslie Shelton (R)
Trustee — Glynda Barrett Pendergrass (I)
County Clerk — Luanne Greer (I)
Register of Deeds — Shelly Yates (I)

The Bottom Line

The 2026 Dickson County election is not uniformly competitive — but where it is competitive, it matters. Be sure to register to vote, inform yourself on the candidates and get involved during election season.

Follow the Dickson County Times for all your local election coverage in 2026.