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Recent Announcements Signal Upcoming Mayoral Races in Maury County and Columbia

Issue #632

December 22, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Cloudy w/ showers at night - high of 67, low of 58

📰 Recent Announcements Signal Upcoming Mayoral Races in Maury County and Columbia

📰 Shop With a Cop a Huge Success

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Recent Announcements Signal Upcoming Mayoral Races in Maury County and Columbia

Eric Previti, Mayor Sheila Butt & Gabe Howard all recently announced their races for mayor.

A few local leaders have recently announced plans to seek mayoral offices, offering voters an early look at potential leadership choices in the months ahead.

Eric Previti Announces Run for Columbia Mayor

Eric Previti, who currently serves as Maury County Commissioner for District 2 and recently completed two terms as chairman of the County Commission from 2022 to 2024, announced that he is entering the race for Mayor of Columbia.

Previti has spent more than a decade in local government and believes the city would benefit from stronger cooperation between jurisdictions.

“One of the common themes is working together and unity between the jurisdictions,” Previti said. “There has been some. There needs to be more.”

He pointed to concerns about the city’s direction, long-term debt, and affordability for residents, particularly those on fixed or limited incomes.

“What are we doing going forward? What is Columbia to become going forward? What do we leave our kids, our grandkids,” Previti said.

Previti said his campaign will focus on collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and listening to residents. He also confirmed that, due to the Columbia City Charter, he will not seek reelection to the County Commission. His current term ends August 30, 2026.

Mayor Sheila Butt Announces Bid for Second Term

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt announced she is seeking a second term in 2026, citing progress made during her first term and a desire to continue ongoing projects.

“Serving as the Mayor of Maury County is an honor, and I am grateful for the trust and support shown to me in my first term,” Butt said.

She highlighted efforts toward more controlled growth, maintaining low taxes, securing impact fees, and prioritizing public safety. Butt also pointed to her experience in state government and her work addressing long-term water concerns.

“Being appointed to the Duck River Planning Partnership in the past year has given me great insight into various options that will preserve the integrity of the Duck River and address our future water needs,” she said.

Butt also referenced current county projects, including renovations to the historic courthouse and Columbia Library, construction of a new library in Mount Pleasant, and expansion of the Animal Shelter.

“I have no doubt that Maury County is the best place to live, to work, and raise our families in Tennessee,” Butt said. “I hope to help keep it that way for a long time with the decisions we are making now and in the next four years.”

Gabe Howard Announces Campaign for Maury County Mayor

Maury County Commissioner Gabe Howard announced he is running for Maury County Mayor, saying his decision is rooted in long-term planning and preserving the county’s identity as it grows.

“Maury County isn’t just where we live — it’s where we’re raising our family, building our lives, and shaping the future our children will inherit,” Howard said.

Howard, who serves as Commissioner for District 8, said his campaign will focus on managing growth responsibly and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace.

“Growth is not the enemy — unmanaged growth is,” he said.

Howard outlined priorities including farmland preservation, infrastructure planning, long-term water security, fiscal stewardship, and collaboration among communities.

“This is about building a Maury County that works — not just today, but 10, 20, and 30 years from now,” Howard said.

He thanked residents for their support during his time on the County Commission and said he hopes to earn their trust in the mayoral race.

Voters can expect to hear more from each candidate as the campaign season continues, with opportunities for residents to learn more, attend local events, and be part of the civic process.

Shop With a Cop a Huge Success

From the Columbia Police Department’s post…

Yesterday was truly the most wonderful day of the year. We were so blessed this year with donations from this amazing community! We had 23 little blessings that we had the privilege of spending the day with. The joy of this day is truly indescribable. There was an abundance of smiles, happiness, and yes some craziness too. Shop with a Cop was a huge success this year and we want to say thank you to everyone who helped make this possible. God Bless you all, and until next year…enjoy these moments we captured.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, December 23rd

Wednesday, December 24th

Creative Writing Club - 2:00 - 5:00 PM

Thursday, December 25th 🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎄

Friday, December 26th

Saturday, December 27th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, December 23

Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Friday, December 26

Austin Byrd - Puckett’s, 6–7:30 PM
Nick Bentley - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7–9 PM
Zone Status - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, December 27

Neal Pennington - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7 PM
Winter Series - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Eastern Dreamers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
World Turning Band - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
MFT - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk