Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess officially entered the Republican Primary for the State Senate today. The 13th senatorial district comprises the western half of Rutherford County and is currently held by Bill Ketron.

"Public service is important to me, and I am proud of all we've been able to accomplish at the county level. I want to take my executive experience and conservative principles to the state senate and continue working for the betterment of Rutherford County," Burgess said. "We are in this race to win it, and we will not be outworked. We will leave no stone unturned and no Republican voter untouched and will run a positive campaign focused on the future."

"As a businessman and as county mayor, I know what it's like to make tough decisions," Burgess continued. "Rutherford County has experienced tremendous growth since I've been mayor. While that has presented many challenges, we have been able to improve our schools and our economy. My focus has always been to make Rutherford County the best place to live, work, and raise a family. That will continue to be my focus as State Senator."

Burgess has led Rutherford County through unprecedented growth. His business approach has led to many major accomplishments. The economy has flourished. The local school system has added numerous new, state of the art schools, and been recognized as one of the best school systems in the State. A full-time County fire/rescue department has been established and Rutherford County has the lowest unemployment rate in its history. As State Senator, he'll take that same business approach to solve issues, with the unique knowledge of how our local communities will be affected.

Ernest Burgess is a lifelong Rutherford County resident and a graduate of MTSU and the University of Tennessee. He was Senior Vice President of Operations at Murfreesboro-based National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) before running for county mayor. He is an active member of North Boulevard Church of Christ, where he previously served as an Elder. He has served on several local community boards, such as Discovery Center, Linebaugh Library, United Way, MTSU Foundation and Main Street of Murfreesboro.

He and his wife Peggy live in Murfreesboro and have three children, seven grandchildren and one great grandson.