(Editor’s Note: Three formal challenges to the candidacy of Catherine Herrera for Henry County Mayor have been filed and the Henry County Elections Commission must now set a special meeting to determine whether she is qualified to run for the office. The challenges were heard at Monday’s meeting of the Elections Commission.).
Paris, TN — Catherine Gore Herrera, Independent candidate for Henry County Mayor, today issued the following statement in response to formal challenges questioning her residency:
“For more than 20 years, Henry County has been my permanent home,” Herrera said. “I returned to Henry County to raise my children in 2003 and purchased my home in Springville in 2009, and it has remained my permanent residence since 2020.”
Herrera has formally affirmed her residency through a sworn affidavit and has submitted documentation to the Henry County Election Commission. This documentation includes her driver’s license reflecting her Springville address, internet service bills, vehicle and boat registrations, and property records already on file.
Herrera acknowledged that her professional career has required her to work in multiple locations across Tennessee. However, she emphasized that throughout her career she has consistently maintained Henry County as her permanent residence and regularly returned home.
“Like many Tennesseans whose work takes them beyond county lines, my career required me to be in different locations,” Herrera said. “But my permanent residence never changed, and neither did my commitment to Henry County.”
Herrera currently holds a position that allows her to work remotely, enabling her to spend more of her time in Henry County. She also serves as a Henry County Emergency Management Volunteer, a Northwest Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth member and a Henry County CASA volunteer, advocating for local children and continuing a long record of community service. She is currently registered to vote in Henry County.
Herrera expressed respect for the electoral process and confidence in the upcoming review.
“I respect the role of the Election Commission and welcome the opportunity to provide clarity,” Herrera said. “The facts are straightforward, the documentation is clear, and I am confident the process will confirm my eligibility.”
Herrera also expressed respect for those who have raised questions, acknowledging their interest in ensuring a fair and transparent process and emphasizing that she values open dialogue and accountability in public service.”
As the Election Commission prepares for a specially called meeting, Herrera emphasized that her focus remains on engaging with voters and offering thoughtful, practical solutions for Henry County’s future, drawing on her extensive experience and knowledge.
Herrera also noted that while her current professional role is deeply meaningful, her candidacy represents a deliberate decision to refocus her efforts on serving Henry County.
“I am grateful for a career that has allowed me to serve children and families across Tennessee, and that work has been incredibly fulfilling,” Herrera said. “This campaign gives me the opportunity to commit myself fully to Henry County — the community that shaped me — and to work every day to help it reach its full potential.”
Herrera said she is motivated by a desire to strengthen Henry County’s standing across the state and to lead with integrity, collaboration, and accountability.
“I believe Henry County can once again be known statewide for strong leadership, fairness, and opportunity,” Herrera said. “That requires moving beyond division and putting people first. My goal is to help restore confidence in local government and ensure that every voice in our community is respected.”
“I am running for county mayor because I care deeply about this community and its future,” Herrera added. “I look forward to continuing this campaign with continued transparency, integrity, and respect for the process — and, most importantly, for the people of Henry County.”
Herrera is one of three candidates seeking the office of Henry County Mayor. Both Herrera and Jonathan Lodge are running as Independents and David Webb is running as a Republican.