The Rutherford County Democratic Party has its first official candidate for the Rutherford County Commission election set for August 2018.

In a Facebook post from Sunday, Nov. 12, Karie Adair announced her intention to run for the District 7 seat currently held by Mike Kusch. District 7 includes the Barfield and Salem communities.

“I've made this decision after a great deal of thought and consideration, and I truly believe that I can bring a new, younger, and more progressive perspective towards addressing the growth of our county,” Adair said.

According to her social media accounts, Adair graduated from MTSU in 2009 and is originally from Pennsylvania. She is a technical writer for Franke Foodservice Solutions.

Adair, who identifies as a transwoman, lives in Murfreesboro with her wife Manda Turner-Adair.

“I believe that my experience in project management and building professional relationships will help me bring together the cities and towns of our county to work on the issues raised by population growth, including managing our common infrastructure, encouraging small and robust businesses to take root here, and commit to ensuring that housing remains affordable to everyone who wants to call our Heart of Tennessee their home,” Adair said in her announcement.

She listed infrastructure, education and creating an accepting community as her primary issues.

Chairman of the Rutherford County Democrats Matt Ferry said he is excited to offer such a great candidate to the people of District 7.

"Karie Adair is a brilliant young woman with a deep love for her community. She understands the needs of this county and how important it is that we plan with the future in mind. We are proud to have her as an active member of the Democratic Party and know that Karie will serve Rutherford County well as a county commissioner," he said.

Ferry added can meet Adair when she will be a guest speaker at the Rutherford County Young Democrats at 7 p.m.  Nov. 20. The meeting will take place at 603 West Burton Street, Suite B in Murfreesboro.

"We welcome all Democrats to come by and participate," Ferry said.

Adair has launched a CrowdPAC page. CrowdPAC is like Kickstarter, but for campaign financing.

Kusch was elected to the seat in 2014. His voting record can be found here.

Michelle Willard is a freelance journalist who fills her days with social media marketing, politics and true crime podcasts, and taking complaints. You can complain to her on Twitter @MichWillard or by email michelle(at)murfreesborovoice.com.