July Newsletter
Dear Friend,
We're halfway through summer, and there's still a lot more to look forward to in the Rutherford County Democratic Party. From attending the Three Star Dinner in Nashville to training with the ACLU, the RCDP was everywhere in July. Read more about what we've been up to, and see how you can join us in August!
Hometown Highlights
On July 12th, Executive Board Officers Katrina Aguilar and Theo Baker, as well as many friendly faces from Rutherford County, attended the Tennessee Democratic Party's Three Star Dinner in Nashville. They listened to DNC Chair Ken Martin discuss mobilizing ahead of the 2026 election. This Three Star Dinner was especially celebratory because all 95 of Tennessee's counties organized their own local Democratic Party! Find all county party contacts here.
On July 13th, Executive Board Officers Matt Fee, Katrina Aguilar, and Theo Baker attended the Rutherford County Democratic Women's (RCDW) Fifth Annual Garden Party at Oakland's Mansion. The yearly event is a key fundraising effort for the RCDW. Attendees listened to incredible speakers, including representatives from Emerge—a non-profit national political organization aimed towards increasing the number of Democratic women in office.
On July 17th, the RCDP hosted a Candidate Interest Meeting at the Technology Engagement Center in Murfreesboro. Led by Chair Matt Fee, attendees learned about open seats, key dates, and the first steps in managing a campaign. Amazing conversations were generated as we move into the 2026 elections. We're looking forward to cultivating this journey with all interested candidates!
On July 19th, members of the RCDP attended the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Power and Purpose Training at the DoubleTree Hotel in Murfreesboro. The ACLU is holding trainings nationwide, and Murfreesboro had the highest attendance so far! They were invited to the city by the Rutherford County Library Alliance, and we discussed combatting book bans, mobilizing locally, holding space for difficult conversations, and building a support team as we work towards progressive and inclusive change in our communities. If you want to support the ACLU's efforts in protecting Tennesseans' right to read, sign their petition today!
On July 22nd, the RCDP also hosted its first True Blue Tuesday of the year! To kick off this event, we held it at Champy's in Murfreesboro. With over 35 Democrats from all over Rutherford County turning out, we were able to build connections and share a meal with like-minded neighbors, friends, and new faces. If you have suggestions about where we should go next, email us at info@rcdp.org
Building Blue
There's a new organization in Rutherford County, and you are the first to hear about it! The Rutherford County Young Democrats (RCYD) is now an active chapter in Middle Tennessee, and we are very excited to watch them grow. The RCYD is comprised of individuals between 13 years old to 36 years old who reside, work, or go to school in Rutherford County. They aim to foster inclusive and empowering spaces for young people to share ideas and build community, thus working towards the betterment of the future. The RCYD's first meeting will be held on August 18th from 6:00-7:30PM. Learn more about the meeting here, or check it out at the end of the newsletter!
Email: rucoyd4tn@gmail.com
Instagram: @rucoyd
Facebook: Rutherford County Young Democrats
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/rucoyd
We are very excited to announce that our July 22nd True Blue Tuesday was a major success! If you missed the first one, that's okay. Come join us for our next True Blue Tuesday on August 19th from 6-8PM at Cinco De Mayo in Smyrna. RSVP by August 18th, so we can save you a seat!
Capitol Watch
State: Tennessee has approved a free state‑land lease to Elon Musk’s Boring Company for its proposed 10‑mile “Music City Loop” tunnel between downtown Nashville and the airport—even as Democratic lawmakers and community members warned the deal was rushed, lacked transparency or public input, and hands public property over to a private corporation. Read more about it on News Channel 5.
State: Former Trump Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately explored a possible run for office in Tennessee as early as next year, according to NBC News. A Hegseth candidacy would likely bring more extreme, far-right politics to the state, given his history of promoting election denialism, anti-democratic rhetoric, and opposition to public education—all of which threaten Tennessee’s democratic institutions and communities.
Local: Murfreesboro has officially rejected a proposed settlement with Middle Point Landfill operators and is taking the case to court instead—citing deep distrust in the landfill’s promises on pollution and odor control and warning, “We don’t want to be another Flint”—emphasizing the need for stronger protections for residents’ water and health. Read more about it on Fox 17.
Blue Business Spotlight
Looking to support local bookstores and artisans? Head to the Spine Bookshop today! This cozy, independent bookstore is owned by MTSU alumnae Lindsay Schultz and located in the heart of Smyrna, TN. In addition to selling books, Schultz also offers consignment items from local artisans. Furthermore, the Spine is home to many events, including the Local Author Book Club and the Banned Book Club. Read more about when these groups meet here.
Learn more about the owner:
"Lindsay Schultz is the founder of The Spine Bookshop in Smyrna, TN—where banned books are always welcome and spine puns are fully intentional. A lifelong reader with a BA in English from MTSU and an MBA from Strayer, she turned her love of books into a mission-driven indie bookstore. Lindsay fights book bans like it’s her job (because it kind of is) and champions diverse, independent voices. When she’s not slinging stories or rallying for the right to read, she’s chatting with readers, uplifting local authors, and appearing on panels—usually with a book in one hand and coffee in the other."
Website: https://thespinebookshop.com/
Email: thespinebookshop@gmail.com
Phone Number: (615) 768-9833
Community Connections
RCDP Monthly Executive Committee Meeting
August 12, 2025 | 6:00-7:30PM | Austin Audio Visual Design (Murfreesboro)
Stay up to date on what the RCDP is working on at our August monthly meeting! While only elected Executive Committee members may vote, all are welcome to attend and observe.
Rutherford County Young Democrats First Meeting
August 18, 2025 | 6:00-7:30PM | Virtual (Google Meet)
Join the newly formed Rutherford County Young Democrats chapter for their first meeting to discuss membership requirements, officer elections, and other important information! RSVP for the meeting link!
August 19, 2025 | 6:00-8:00PM | Cinco De Mayo Restaurant (Smyrna)
Join the RCDP for our monthly fundraising social! For the month of August, we will be in Smyrna. The RCDP will be purchasing margarita pitchers. Make sure you RSVP by August 18th, so we can save you a seat!
RuCo Reaches Out: Postcard Party
August 23, 2025 | 12:00-2:00PM | Technology Engagement Center (Murfreesboro)
Spend an afternoon with the RCDP at our postcard party! Write to neighbors and fellow community members about why they should get involved in the Democratic Party and help us advertise our upcoming fall fundraiser!
August 29, 2025 | 5:30-7:00PM | Cultivate Coworking (Murfreesboro)
Join the Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood (TAPP) for their monthly Progress Potluck featuring guests and speakers from different local progressive organizations each month.
Murfreesboro NAACP Freedom Fund Gala
September 6, 2025 | 6:00-8:00PM | MTSU Student Union Building (Murfreesboro)
Join the Murfreesboro chapter of the NAACP for an evening where elegance meets impact. Come together with changemakers, visionaries and neighbors, as they celebrate those who light the way.
