{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nCathy Watts is the Democratic candidate for Rutherford County Commission District 16 in 2026, challenging Republican incumbent Phil Dodd in the August 6, 2026 general election [1][2]. Her campaign focuses on four priorities: affordability for residents, creating good-paying jobs, responsible growth management, and protecting quality of life [1]. Watts says Rutherford County is experiencing rapid growth but \"too many families are struggling to keep up,\" and she aims to ensure \"our county works for everyone, not just those who can already afford it\" [1]. Her campaign describes her as bringing \"decades of public service experience and deep roots in local Democratic leadership,\" under the slogan \"Proven Leadership. Practical Solutions. People First\" [1].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Cathy Watts for County Commission District 16](https://cathy4ruco16.com/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[2] [Rutherford County Voters Shake Up Local Leadership In Primary Election](https://www.wgnsradio.com/article/99257/rutherford-county-voters-shake-up-local-leadership-in-primary-election) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_commission_district_16","county":"Rutherford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"TN","title":"County Commission District 16"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"CATHY","fullname":"CATHY WATTS","lastname":"WATTS","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_commission_district_16","contest_title":"County Commission District 16","county":"Rutherford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_commission_district_16","office_title":null,"party":"D","pgr":"general","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_commission_district_16","contest_title":"County Commission District 16","county":"Rutherford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_commission_district_16","office_title":null,"party":"D","pgr":"general","state":"TN"},"party":"D","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_commission_district_16","office_title":"County Commission District 16","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Democratic candidate for Rutherford County Commission District 16, running on affordability and responsible growth against the incumbent in 2026.","terms":[],"token":"CZMhIPaYfQ"}