Tell us about your campaign.

Not long ago I was sitting on the couch with my 18 year old daughter when the conversation turned to her future. She had been searching for homes, trying to map out her next chapter, and the numbers just were not adding up. Nothing seemed within reach, not now, maybe not ever. I could feel the disappointment and devastation in her voice. I told her we would find a way. But deep inside I know how hard that is going to be, especially as prices keep rising and wages don't. If you have felt that same thing for yourself or someone you love, then you already know why I am running. My name is Diana Carter and I am running for Rutherford County Commissioner in District 18. I have lived in Rutherford County for nearly 20 years. I raised my daughter here as a single mom. I built my life here. Earlier in my life I served as a firefighter and EMT, work that taught me that real leadership means showing up for people before they have to ask. That is still how I approach everything. I am running because I believe District 18 deserves a commissioner who shows up. Someone you can reach. Someone who knows your street and your neighborhood and what keeps you up at night. Someone who walks into that commission chamber and asks one question before every single vote: does this make life better for the people already living here? Rutherford County is growing fast. But growth that does not work for the people already here is not progress. It only benefits a few and quality of life goes down for the rest of us. I want to change that. I am not running on a list of promises. I am running on a commitment to this community. A commitment to be present, accessible, and accountable every single day. To listen before I speak. To fight for the families, neighbors, and working people of District 18 at every opportunity. To make sure that when decisions get made, the people who built this county are never forgotten. I am a neighbor. I am a mom. I am a public servant. And I am ready. Prepared. People-Focused. Solutions-Oriented. To learn more or to support this campaign please visit diana4ruco.com.

In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.

To listen to and faithfully represent the people of their district, ensuring every voice is heard at the commission table. A commissioner votes on budgets that reflect real community needs, makes zoning decisions that protect existing residents, and appoints board members who serve the public good rather than special interests. They are responsible for ensuring emergency services are funded and prepared, that infrastructure keeps pace with growth, and that quality of life is protected for every family. A commissioner's job is to ensure that growth, safety, and quality of life work for every one in the county, not just a few.

What are your priorities for this office?

My priorities as Rutherford County Commissioner for District 18 center on one guiding principle: every decision made at the commission table should make life better for the people living here. Rutherford County is growing rapidly and that growth should work for everyone, not just developers and outside investors. I will work to ensure that infrastructure, emergency services, and schools keep pace with that growth rather than lag behind it. The people who built this community deserve to see their quality of life protected, not diminished. Community safety is a deep priority for me. As a former firefighter and EMT I understand what it means to be prepared before a crisis hits. I want District 18 to be a place where every neighbor knows they are protected and that their county is ready when they need it most. Affordability is on every family's mind in this county. I want to explore every available tool to make sure working families and young adults can afford to stay in the community they love and call home. Food access and economic investment in our own residents are areas where I believe Rutherford County can lead with innovation and compassion. Above all I prioritize showing up. Being present, accessible, and accountable to every resident in District 18. A commissioner's most important job is making sure their community always has a voice at the table.

Describe your qualifications for this office.

I bring a combination of education, professional experience, and life experience that makes me uniquely prepared to serve the people of District 18. I am a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and double minors in German and Political Science, giving me a foundation in understanding people, communication, and how systems work. Earlier in my life I served as a firefighter and EMT, where I learned to stay calm under pressure, make clear decisions quickly, and show up for people in their most vulnerable moments. Public service has always been at the core of who I am and those instincts do not leave you. I have continued that commitment through years of community advocacy, working alongside neighbors and organizations to lift up the people around me. For nearly 20 years I have built my life in Rutherford County, raising my daughter here as a single mom and navigating the same rising costs and everyday challenges my neighbors face. I understand what District 18 families are going through because I am living it alongside them. Professionally I work in podcast marketing helping small businesses grow, sharpening my ability to listen, communicate clearly, and find practical solutions to real problems. Most importantly I am accessible, accountable, and deeply committed to this community. I will bring those same qualities to the commission chamber and make sure District 18 always has a voice that shows up.