{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nEddie Sanders is an independent candidate for Rutherford County Commission District 18 in the August 6, 2026 county general election, running against Republican Allen McAdoo and Democrat Diana Carter.[2][1] His stated priorities are public safety, health and education, growth and infrastructure, and constituent accessibility.[1] Sanders has said, \"Politics is not about the position you occupy; it is about the people you serve.\"[1]\n\n## Background and education\nSanders has lived and worked in Rutherford County since 2019.[1]\n\n## Career\nSanders is a minister, published author, and former high school teacher and basketball coach. He has served as an adjunct college instructor and as director of operations for the Middle Tennessee State University Lady Raiders basketball team, and serves as the team's chaplain.[1] He has volunteered with community events including the Murfreesboro New Year's Day 5K, a Miracle League buddy event, and the Area 16 Special Olympics track and field meet.[1]\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Eddie Sanders, Candidate for Rutherford County Commissioner, District 18 \u2014 WGNS Radio](https://www.wgnsradio.com/article/97034/eddie-sanders-candidate-for-rutherford-county-commissioner-district-18) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[2] [Election Deadline: Who Qualified for 2026 RuCo Primary \u2014 WGNS Radio](https://www.wgnsradio.com/article/97847/election-deadline-who-qualified-for-2026-ruco-primary) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_commission_district_18","county":"Rutherford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"TN","title":"County Commission District 18"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"EDDIE","fullname":"EDDIE SANDERS","lastname":"SANDERS","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_commission_district_18","contest_title":"County Commission District 18","county":"Rutherford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_commission_district_18","office_title":null,"party":"I","pgr":"general","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_commission_district_18","contest_title":"County Commission District 18","county":"Rutherford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_commission_district_18","office_title":null,"party":"I","pgr":"general","state":"TN"},"party":"I","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_commission_district_18","office_title":"County Commission District 18","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Independent candidate for Rutherford County Commission District 18; minister, author, and former teacher and basketball coach.","terms":[],"token":"IRp2mX0bxa"}