EARLY VOTING:
FRIDAY, JULY 17 – SATURDAY, AUG. 1, 2026
Election Day Thursday, August 6, 2026
EARLY VOTING:
FRIDAY, JULY 17 – SATURDAY, AUG. 1, 2026
Election Day Thursday, August 6, 2026
Proud Lincoln County Roots
Daniel Eldridge grew up in the Blanche community in southwest Lincoln County, Tennessee. The youngest of five siblings, Daniel’s family raised cattle and hay on their farm, instilling in him the values of hard work, service, and personal responsibility from an early age.
At Lincoln County High School, Daniel played quarterback under legendary coach John Meadows before graduating in 1988. He went on to attend Tennessee Tech, where he earned a degree in Economics and married his high school sweetheart, Dana Mills, also a proud Lincoln County native. After college, the couple returned home to build their careers and raise their family.
Dana began her career as an educator at South Lincoln School the very first year it opened. Daniel entered the world of government contracts in the Space and Defense Industry, working in Huntsville on projects that would shape the future of national defense.
A Leader in Education and Community Development
In 2000, Daniel was asked by members of his church, Riverside Church of Christ, to help establish a new Christian school in Lincoln County. Though the challenge was significant, Daniel stepped up. Within a year, Riverside Christian Academy opened its doors, and Daniel served as its first president for more than a decade.
His leadership didn’t stop there. In 2022, Daniel was elected to the Lincoln County Commission, earning the most votes in his three-seat district. As a County Commissioner, Daniel has fought for:
Responsible, strategic growth
Protecting farmland and agricultural heritage
Smart government processes that deliver real results
Transparent communication and community input
He is known for bringing people together, asking thoughtful questions, and listening closely to the needs of citizens in every district of Lincoln County.
Experience That Delivers Results
Daniel brings a rare combination of private-sector business leadership and public service to his candidacy. He holds:
A Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Tennessee Tech
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Florida Tech
A Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) from Tennessee State University
Over the years, Daniel has held senior executive roles for companies both large and small, managing contract portfolios exceeding $600 million in annual revenue. Today, he supports the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command as a Senior Contracts Manager.
Daniel and Dana attend Washington Street Church of Christ, where he has served as a deacon, elder, and Sunday school teacher. Outside of work, they enjoy raising goats, boarding dogs, and spending time with their four adult children—three of whom still live in Lincoln County.
If you see Daniel or his family out in the community this summer, be sure to say hello, and let him know you’re a “Dan Fan!”
Why He’s Running for Mayor
Daniel believes Lincoln County is at a turning point. With unprecedented growth on the horizon, our next Mayor must be someone with the background, foresight, and steady leadership to prepare our community for the future, without compromising the values that make this county home.
Daniel is running for County Mayor because he believes in:
Responsible, strategic growth
Protecting farmland and agricultural heritage
Smart government processes that deliver real results
Transparent communication and community input
Join the Team That’s Building a Better Lincoln County
Support Daniel’s Campaign
Help us bring steady, experienced leadership to the Mayor’s office.