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BETH PAFFORD
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Beth Pafford is the Democratic nominee for DeKalb County Mayor in the August 6, 2026 general election, facing Republican Patrick Ray and independent Brandon Bates 1. She was unopposed in the May 5, 2026 Democratic primary 2. In announcing her campaign, Pafford said she is running "because I care about the people of DeKalb County" and pledged leadership that "listens, asks lots of questions, does the homework, and keeps the public informed every step of the way" 3.
Background and education
Pafford and her husband Mark, appointed minister of the Smithville First United Methodist Church-Bright Hill charge, moved to Smithville in 2002; their four children graduated from DeKalb County High School 3. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University and a master's in instructional leadership from Tennessee Tech, and is pursuing an Education Doctorate at Middle Tennessee State University 3. She was part of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2016 3.
Career
Pafford has worked in public schools for 20 years, 18 of them in DeKalb County, and is currently assistant principal at Northside Elementary School 3.
Office history
Pafford was first elected to the DeKalb County Commission from District 7 in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, serving eight years 314.
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 “PAFFORD”, 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 (“PAFFORD”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “PAFFORD”and, if needed, select the applicable position.