Q&A with Sarah Hilton, Candidate for County Commission
Sarah Hilton is running for Sumner County Commission District 12. The election for county commission and other local positions is August 6, 2026, with early voting available July 17 - August 1.
Check out our Q&A below to learn more about Sarah!
What motivated you to run for this position?
I chose to make Sumner County my home because it's where my husband and I wanted to raise our family. As a parent, a PTO leader, and elected HOA member, I've become deeply invested in our community and its future.
In 2022, when school safety funding became caught up in political disputes, I realized I couldn't just watch from the sidelines. I was disappointed to see important issues delayed by infighting instead of being addressed. That's when I decided to step up and run.
I'm running to help ensure our schools, infrastructure, and essential services are prioritized through practical, collaborative leadership. Because our community deserves solutions, not sides.
What are your top priorities if elected, and why?
My top priorities are responsible growth, strong essential services, and collaborative leadership. We need to make sure our roads, schools, and infrastructure keep pace with our growing county. We also need to prioritize funding for public safety, education, and water infrastructure as they are core responsibilities of local government. Finally, I want to bring a collaborative approach to the County Commission. We may not agree on every issue, but we should be able to work together to move our community forward.
Where is Sumner County Commission District 12?
Some of the bigger neighborhoods are Carellton, McCains Station, Kennesaw Farms, and Kensington Downs. The district also covers the area around Howard Elementary and north on Neals Lane from Long Hollow Pike. View the interactive map below to see if you fall into District 12!
How will you ensure diverse voices in the community are heard?
Every resident deserves to know their voice matters. Again, one of the most important responsibilities of a County Commissioner is listening to their constituents, especially to those whose perspectives may be different from my own.
I plan to be accessible and engaged by attending community events, meeting with neighborhood groups, visiting local businesses, and maintaining regular communication with constituents. I don't want to hear from people only when there's a problem. I want to build relationships before decisions are made.
Our county includes long-time residents, newcomers, parents, seniors, business owners, farmers, and young families. They all experience our community differently, and good decisions come from hearing those different perspectives. My goal is to make sure everyone has an opportunity to be heard and knows their input is valued.
What does effective local leadership look like to you?
Effective local leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening to the concerns of county residents first.
It means showing up at community events, being accessible to Sumner County residents, and making sure people feel heard, especially before decisions that affect their lives are made. That includes making sure my constituents know about the County Commission's upcoming agenda and what is being voted on. It means explaining my decisions, being accountable for them, and working respectfully with others, even when we disagree.
At the local level, politics should never get in the way of solving problems. The goal isn't to win an argument. The goal is to make our community stronger. That's the kind of leadership I want to bring to the County Commission, because our community deserves solutions, not sides.
Sarah tabling the Square Fest event in Gallatin
What was the last governmental meeting you watched or attended? What is something that stood out to you at that meeting?
I regularly watch the full Commission, committee, and board meetings to stay informed. Most recently, the school budget vote stood out to me because it highlighted how differing views on the use of reserve funds can delay important decisions. I believe reserve funds exist to provide financial stability, not to replace appropriate annual funding. Moving forward, I hope we can focus less on revisiting the same debates and more on responsibly funding our schools and other essential services.
Is there any specific commission committee you would like to sit on? If so, why?
Committee on Committees. I want to ensure the people who end up on committees are there with the correct intentions and experience.
If people are interested in supporting your campaign, what is the best way for them to contact you or learn more about you?
They can visit my website, reach out at sarahhiltonfortn@gmail.com, or give me a call.
Sarah with fellow local candidates Holly Cruz (school board) and Amanda Dodson (county commission)
Fun Facts
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Sumner County?
I am from the Detroit area and have lived in Sumner County for 8 years (10 in Tennessee). We chose to move our family here and call Gallatin home.
What do you love about Sumner County?
I love that Sumner County has the feel of a close-knit community while continuing to grow and create new opportunities. It's the place my husband and I chose to raise our family, and that choice wasn't accidental. We've found wonderful schools, engaged neighbors, and people who genuinely care about where they live. I want to help preserve those qualities while ensuring our county continues to grow responsibly.
What’s your favorite movie?
The Greatest Showman.
What is the last book you read?
Remarkably Bright Creatures.
What kind of music do you like?
I love to sing along with musicals.
Do you have any unique hobbies?
I like adventure activities like sky diving, flying trapeze, etc.
What is your most controversial (non-serious) opinion?
Pickles are gross.
Is there anything else you want to share or want voters to know about you?
I want voters to know that I'm running because I care deeply about this community and its future. I don't believe elected officials have all the answers, but I believe listening is one of the most important parts of leadership.
If I'm elected, I'll show up to community events and be present at the County Commission meetings, as well as other committee and board meetings. I will strive to be available to Sumner County residents, and make decisions based on what's best for our community. I'll be transparent about how I vote and why. I will be willing to listen to different perspectives. Finally, I am committed to treating everyone with respect, regardless of differing viewpoints.
I chose Sumner County as the place to raise my family, and I'm invested in making sure it remains a place where families can thrive for generations. Our community deserves solutions, not sides, and that's the approach I'll bring to the County Commission.
Learn more
Visit these links to learn more about Sarah Hilton or support her campaign:
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