Editor’s note: The Elk Valley Times will publish candidate announcements and photos as we receive them and as space allows before the July 29, 2026, edition. The election is on Aug. 6, 2026. Announcements should be no longer than 700 words and emailed to lscripps@elkvalleytimes. com. They may be edited for length, grammar, style and content.

Lifelong Lincoln County resident Glen T. Douglas has announced his candidacy for Lincoln County mayor, bringing what he said was decades of public service and local government experience to the race.

A 1988 graduate of Lincoln County High School, Douglas said he began developing leadership skills early in life as a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he learned Robert’s Rules of Order — parliamentary procedures used to conduct organized and fair meetings that continue to guide his work in government today.

Douglas has served Lincoln County in a variety of public safety roles over the years. In the early 1990s, he served as a police reserve for the City of Fayetteville and later became a volunteer firefighter for the city. In the late 1990s, he worked as a jail sergeant and served as a reserve deputy’ for the county.

In addition to his public safety service, Douglas currently works in the Lincoln County Property Assessor’s Office, where he is in his fifth year serving as a field appraiser and GIS technician. In that role, he said he works closely with property records and county mapping systems, helping ensure accurate information that supports county planning and services.

Douglas said his commitment to service eventually led him to county government, where he is currently serving his eighth year as a Lincoln County commissioner. During his time on the commission, Douglas has held several leadership roles, including six years as chairman of the Fire and Emergency Management Agency Committee and four years as chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee. For the past four years, he has also served as co-chair of the Law Enforcement Committee.

Douglas’ said his leadership extends beyond Lincoln County as well. For the past four years, he has served on the Tennessee County Commissioners Association Executive Board, where he was selected in 2026 as vice president for Middle Tennessee.

As mayor, Douglas said his priorities will include strengthening transparency in county government, improving communication with citizens, and continuing to support the county’s public safety services. He said he also plans to work toward improving the county’s online presence to better keep residents informed and engaged. Douglas also hopes to continue building strong relationships at the state level to help create additional opportunities and resources for Lincoln County.

“Transparency isn’t just a campaign slogan — it’s a responsibility,” Douglas said. “As mayor, I want to make sure our county government remains open, accessible, and accountable to the people it serves. Lincoln County deserves leadership that listens, communicates clearly, and focuses on getting things done.”

Douglas said his experience working both inside county government and with state leaders has given him a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the community.

Douglas and his wife, Brenda, have been married for 12 years. Brenda has worked at Tractor Supply Company for the past 15 years. Together they have four children and four grandchildren. Douglas describes himself as a Christian and a conservative and said his faith, family, and commitment to service have guided his involvement in the community.

“Lincoln County is a special place, and it has been an honor to serve its people,” Douglas said. “I’m running for mayor because I want to continue building a county government that works for everyone and ensures Lincoln County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Early voting for the election will take place July 17 through August 1, 2026.