{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nCory Martin is an independent candidate for the Williamson County Board of Education, District 8, in the August 6, 2026 general election, running against Republican incumbent Donna Clements [1][2]. He runs with no party or PAC backing and says his top priority is teacher recruitment and retention through a respectful culture and adequate funding [1][3]. He opposes voucher programs, arguing \"public money should support public schools,\" supports AI-literacy education for computer science students, and emphasizes transparency and reducing partisan politics in schools [1].\n\n## Background and career\nMartin is a software developer who has followed the school board's work closely, attending meetings for years and sharing updates on local education policy through a Substack newsletter; he says he wants more residents aware of local elections [1][3].\n\n## Family\nMartin has lived in Williamson County for more than 20 years [1][3]. His wife grew up in the county and graduated from Brentwood High School, and their two daughters attend Williamson County Schools; he has volunteered weekly at his older daughter's school since she started kindergarten [1][3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Cory Martin for School Board (campaign site)](https://corymartin.com/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[2] [Williamson County Election Commission Candidate List (Rev. Feb. 19, 2026)](https://www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29313/CandidatesMayAugRevFeb19th12NOON) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[3] [Early voting turnout small so far (Williamson Herald)](https://www.williamsonherald.com/news/local_news/early-voting-turnout-small-so-far/article_e2bc741a-142b-4bc6-b5c7-3b494e3d2674.html) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_school_board_district_8","county":"Williamson","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"TN","title":"County Board Of Education District 8"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Cory","fullname":"Cory Martin","lastname":"Martin","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_school_board_district_8","contest_title":"County Board Of Education District 8","county":"Williamson","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_school_board_district_8","office_title":null,"party":"I","pgr":"general","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_school_board_district_8","contest_title":"County Board Of Education District 8","county":"Williamson","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_school_board_district_8","office_title":null,"party":"I","pgr":"general","state":"TN"},"party":"I","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_school_board_district_8","office_title":"County Board Of Education District 8","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Independent candidate for Williamson County School Board District 8; software developer and longtime meeting-watcher running on teacher retention and opposition to vouchers.","terms":[],"token":"roVsktPogj"}