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PHIL DODD
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Phil Dodd is the Republican incumbent for Rutherford County Commission District 16, first elected in 2014, and is seeking re-election in 2026 1. He advanced to face Democrat Cathy Watts in the August 6, 2026 general election 2. His campaign priorities include "maintaining a balanced budget," "delivering strong, high-quality schools," "supporting public safety and first responders," and "managing responsible, sustainable growth" 1.
Background and education
Dodd's family has five generations of roots in Rutherford County 1. He attended Reeves-Rogers Elementary, Central Middle School, and Oakland High School, and went on to Middle Tennessee State University 1.
Career
Dodd has a local business background 1. He serves as President of the Greenhouse Ministries Board of Directors and volunteers with the youth ministry at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 1.
Office history
Dodd was first elected to the Rutherford County Commission in 2014 and has served the District 16 seat since 1.
Family
Dodd has been married to Melissa Meagher Dodd for 38 years 1. They have three sons — Phillip, Griffin, and Thomas — a daughter-in-law, Nikki, and a grandson, Davis 1.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
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State offices (Governor, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee, statewide judiciary) —
Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “DODD”, and submit.
US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the FEC — see the federal section below. - County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“DODD”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “DODD”and, if needed, select the applicable position.