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SHAWN MCGOWAN
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Shawn McGowan is the Republican candidate for Rutherford County Commission District 15 in 2026, and advanced to face Democrat Chay Woods in the August 6, 2026 general election 12. McGowan says he decided to run after learning that Middle Point Landfill was seeking to expand for another 50 years: "I never expected to run for public office... when I learned that Middle Point Landfill was seeking to expand for another 50 years... I felt called to get involved" 1. His platform priorities include diverting waste from Middle Point Landfill through expanded recycling and improved waste management, ensuring fiscal accountability and sound financial oversight, promoting responsible growth that funds infrastructure, schools and public safety, and protecting the county's AAA bond rating 1.
Background and education
McGowan holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Villanova University and an MBA from Oklahoma State University, and is a Certified Public Accountant 1.
Career
McGowan is the Chief Financial Officer for Whitsell Corporation and has more than 30 years of experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and risk management 1.
Family
McGowan has been married to his wife, Laura, for nearly 30 years; she teaches at Providence Christian Academy 1. They have two adult children: Meghan, a teacher in Rutherford County schools, and Ryan, who works for Frito-Lay in Georgia 1. McGowan is an active member of The Experience Community Church in Murfreesboro 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 “MCGOWAN”, 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 (“MCGOWAN”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “MCGOWAN”and, if needed, select the applicable position.