Paris, Tenn.–Catherine Gore Herrera has announced her candidacy for Henry County Mayor, entering the race for the August 6, 2026, election.
A lifelong advocate for children, families, and communities, Herrera is the Child Welfare Consultant for the state with the University of Tennessee’s Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (UT SWORPS). While her professional work has included service across multiple counties and regions of Tennessee, Henry County has remained her permanent home.
Although Herrera’s career required travel and work outside the county at various points, she has maintained her residence in Henry County and returned home frequently. As her role transitioned to a primarily remote position, she has been able to spend significantly more time in the county—staying closely connected to the community and its needs.
At UT SWORPS, Herrera manages federal CAPTA and Children’s Justice Act grants and coordinates statewide efforts to improve responses to child abuse and neglect. Her work includes coordinating the Joint Task Force for Children’s Justice and Child Sexual Abuse and overseeing four Citizen Review Panels that promote accountability, transparency, and collaboration among local agencies while meeting both state and federal mandates.
Herrera brings nearly two decades of experience across education, nonprofit leadership, and community-based service—much of it rooted in rural communities. She previously served as an Exceptional Education Teacher and Team Lead, County Director for the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Foster Care Recruiter and Trainer with Youth Villages, and Executive Director of REAL Hope Youth Center. In those roles, she worked closely with families, schools, courts, local governments, businesses and volunteers to strengthen services, manage budgets, and
build partnerships in counties similar in size and character to Henry County.
“I grew up in Henry County and came back to Henry County to raise my children,” Herrera said.
“Even when work took me beyond our borders, this community is where I returned, where I stayed rooted, and where my family and civic commitments have remained currently including volunteering with Henry County CASA. I understand the strengths and challenges of rural communities because I live them but I also understand growth and resources across the state.”
If elected, Herrera will bring experience in organizational management, fiscal oversight, grant
administration, and crossagency coordination—core responsibilities of the county mayor’s
office—with a focus on practical solutions that support rural counties and local government
operations. Herrera has a proven record of creating programs and is committed to innovative
thinking to move projects to completion. The dedication she brings to her previous positions she will
bring to leading Henry County.
Herrera holds a master’s degree in Special Education from Bethel University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University. She remains active as an educational surrogate, courtappointed special advocate for Henry County, foster parent, Henry County emergency management volunteer, and continues to work with families across the county.
Herrera is running as an Independent. There are two other candidates for Henry County Mayor, who previously announced their candidacies: Jonathan Lodge, who also is running as an Independent, and David Webb, who is running as a Republican.
Additional campaign information, including opportunities for community engagement and public
events, will be announced in the coming weeks.