MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — At 23 years old, Brendan Doughtie never expected to enter politics. In fact, just a year and a half ago, he says he would have rejected the idea entirely.
A lifelong Tennessean, Doughtie has lived in Rutherford County since he was about 10 years old. He graduated from Siegel High School in 2021, where he competed as a swimmer specializing and participated in musicals and choir.
Politics, however, was never part of his original plan.
“If you would’ve told me a year and a half ago, ‘You’re going to be a politician,’ I would say I don’t ever want to hear you say that again,” Doughtie laughed.
Doughtie’s interest in public service began with a petition seeking to ban the sale of painted hermit crab shells. He contacted dozens of elected officials but received mostly automated replies—or no response at all. That dismissive attitude only fueled his passion for change even more.
“That’s when I was like, ‘Okay, no one’s helping me. I need to do something myself,’” he said.
A conversation with Tennessee Rep. Gloria Johnson helped give Doughtie the confidence to continue. He later connected with Rutherford County Commissioner Hope Oliver, who encouraged him to attend a commission meeting.
“Everything just took off from there,” Doughtie said.
While working full time at his family’s Murfreesboro business, Boro Bagel, Doughtie knocked on approximately 1,500 doors throughout his campaign.
While out campaigning, Doughtie used a symbol to introduce himself to voters: a hermit crab printed in the corner of his campaign materials. “Some people were like, ‘Oh, what is that for?’ It was kind of my conversation starter to help people get to know me and what inspired me to run.”
As a young renter, he hoped to connect with residents experiencing many of the same pressures he faced, including rising rent, traffic and the cost of everyday necessities.
“Prices are going up everywhere. Traffic gets worse. Rent increases every single year,” Doughtie said. “People are just fed up, and they want change.”
His election comes as Democrats increased their representation on the Rutherford County Commission from two seats to seven. Republicans maintain a majority but no longer hold a supermajority.
From 2015 to 2019, Doughtie lived on Greenway Drive near Jefferson Pike, directly across from Middle Point Landfill. He remembers the odor and conversations with neighbors who felt their concerns would never be addressed.
“I’m not a politician,” Doughtie said. “I’m someone experiencing the same challenges as many of my neighbors, and I believe our local government should listen to residents before making decisions that shape our lives.”
Once sworn in, Doughtie will participate in full commission meetings and serve on at least two committees. Commissioners are assigned to committees by a seven-member steering committee after submitting their preferred areas of service.
His campaign priorities have included responsible development, affordable living, improved infrastructure, environmental protection and opposition to the expansion of Middle Point Landfill.
Doughtie said he wants residents to feel heard by the people making decisions on their behalf.
However, his young age can make you wonder if he is ready to take on the responsibilities of public office. After a one-on-one interview with Nashville Fit Magazine, it is very clear he is well beyond his years.
Balancing a full-time job and political campaign required Doughtie to prioritize his mental and physical well-being more than ever.
Before experiencing recent back problems, he stretched and meditated daily, often using his break at work to step outside, listen to meditation music and focus on his breathing.
Ahead of a major campaign fundraiser, Doughtie found himself overwhelmed just minutes before guests arrived. He stepped away to complete his usual stretching routine and said he felt noticeably calmer within five minutes.
“It’s so good for your nervous system and your health in general,” he said. “If you’re super stressed all the time, it’s going to hurt your physical health as well eventually.”
Doughtie has also avoided refined sugar for more than eight months, which he says has improved his mood and skin. He recently celebrated two years without vaping after quitting on his 21st birthday.
Although he jokes that he doesn’t frequent at a gym, his small wellness hacks are creating large, positive changes in his life.
“If you’re super stressed all the time, it’s going to hurt your physical health as well eventually,” he added.
Outside of public service, Doughtie is a vocalist and songwriter with a love for alternative music such as Deftones.
His current favorite artist is the late Elliott Smith. “He’s like The Beatles if they were one person. He’s a really great songwriter, and he’s been my number one artist on Spotify for the last two years.”
He and his boyfriend are currently watching their way through the “Star Wars” franchise. They are also making date nights out of the all-you-can eat-sushi nights at local Murfreesboro’s restaurants like Zao’s Sushi and Wako Japanese Cuisine.
Doughtie hopes his victory encourages other young people to become involved without feeling pressured to hide or change who they are.
He said he has previously been encouraged to remove his piercings and alter his appearance to fit conventional expectations of a political candidate. Instead, he has chosen to remain authentic and publicly share his life.
“If you have love and passion for anything, you can get involved,” Doughtie said. “If you decide to run, you can do it. If I can do it, anyone can do it.”
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