August 2025 Newsletter

Call to Action from the Giles County Democratic PartyIn recent months, we planned to hold a caucus to select local candidates for the upcoming elections. However, it has now been confirmed by the state and local election commissions—and verified by the state party—that the Giles County Democratic Party does not qualify to hold a caucus. The Republican supermajority in Tennessee has made it clear they want to eliminate caucuses altogether. To discourage them, the state has even agreed to fund local primaries. That leaves us with two choices: do nothing or call for a Democratic primary.  We are asking that at our upcoming meeting this Tuesday, August 19, we vote to demand a Democratic primary on May 5, 2026, leading into the August 6, 2026 general election.

Over the last several months, many people have asked what we can do to stop the destruction of our democracy and our way of life. The answer has always been the same: get involved. It has often been said that all politics is local, and that begins with our school board races, county commission, and local executive offices.

Entering local politics does not require being a lawyer or a career politician. All it takes is being a registered voter. Nothing more. What we need are citizens who care deeply about Giles County and Tennessee, people willing to attend meetings and vote their conscience on issues that matter. The process to run could not be simpler:
● Beginning December 22, 2025, petitions will be available at the Election Office in the courthouse annex.
● You only need 25 signatures from registered voters in your district.
● Submit your petition by February 19, 2026, and your name will appear on the Democratic primary ballot. That’s it. Many candidates run with little more than their name on the ballot and the support of their neighbors. Campaigning with signs, radio spots, or newspaper ads is entirely up to you. This upcoming election will be significant. There will be 21 county commission seats, 4 school board races, most county officials, and even a judge’s seat on the ballot. Several current commissioners have already announced they will not run again. Now is the time to step forward. Don’t wait for “someone else” to do it. If you are reading this, you could be our next commissioner, school board member, or county leader. Giles County needs you.

Mike Cesarini
Giles County Democratic Party
County Commission District 3 Vacancy
On August 18th, the Giles County Commission will fill the seat in the Third District following the untimely passing of long-time commissioner Tim Risner. The Republican Party has selected Ricky Carpenter—whom Tim himself had recommended prior to his passing—as their choice to fill the position. I have also chosen to apply for this seat. I was honored to serve as District 3 Commissioner from 2018 to 2022, and I believe it is time to return and continue working hard for the people of Giles County. Rosemary Martin of Campbellsville has likewise graciously asked to be considered. The selection will take place this Monday at 5:00 p.m. at the Giles County Courthouse. In addition, the Commission now has another vacancy due to the retirement of Joyce Woodard from the 1st District. We need people from this district—Ardmore and Elkton—to step forward and apply. The process is simple: send a letter by September 12th to the Giles County Commission, addressed to County Executive Graham Stowe, 222 W. Madison St., Pulaski, TN 38478, asking to be considered. Applicants must be residents of the 1st District and registered voters. The selection for this vacancy will take place on September 15th at the courthouse. All candidates must be nominated by a sitting commissioner. If you are interested, please let me know, and I will do everything I can to help you through the process.
Mike Cesarini
Join our Activities!
The Giles County Dems meet monthly on the third Tuesday at 6:00 pm.   All supporters of the Democratic Party are invited to attend.  Notices of the meetings and other activities can be found on
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GCDP Website Calendar:  Home – Giles County Democrats
Donate online to our county party!
Getting our message out to voters costs money, and you may have seen our investments during past election cycles for such things as mailing, billboards, candidate events, etc.

If you would like to make a donation to help us with costs associated with billboards, hosting events, and voter outreach materials, you can now donate ONLINE through our ActBlue account: Giles County Act Blue.