Franklin Businessman Andy Marshall Launches Williamson County Mayoral Campaign

Franklin businessman Andy Marshall kicked off his 2026 campaign for Williamson County mayor on Tuesday at Franklin’s Puckett’s Restaurant.

Marshall, the founder and CEO of A. Marshall Hospitality, the parent company of Puckett’s, said that he intends to build on the legacy of retiring County Mayor Rogers Anderson, who he said has “provided unmatched leadership for 24 years.”

“My goal is to build on this solid foundation that we have,” Marshall said. “The leaders we have in place today and those that have gone before them have played an integral role in making Williamson County desirable for both residents who have lived here for a lifetime and for those who have moved here in the past decade.”

Marshall is a Franklin High School and Middle Tennessee State University graduate and first-time candidate who describes himself as a “life-long Republican with strong Christian values.” He was joined on stage by his wife, Jan.

His listed priorities include: encouraging smart growth, maintaining fiscal responsibility, continuing community safety, sustaining a pro-business atmosphere, fostering community engagement, preserving agricultural heritage, and supporting the county’s top-ranked school system.

The event drew more than 100 community, government and business leaders, including Franklin Mayor Ken Moore and several sitting aldermen, Williamson, Inc. CEO Matt Largen and several members of the Williamson County Commission. Former Grace Chapel founding Pastor Steve Berger gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.

“I think it's a very positive thing to bring a businessman in that has grown from a company with 10 people to 550 people. I know how to lead. I know how to get us there,” Marshall told the Williamson Scene, adding that he aims to modernize county operations.

A. Marshall Hospitality has grown Puckett’s into a regional brand with eight locations throughout Tennessee and North Alabama, as well as two other concepts, Scout’s Pub and Deacon’s New South. He opened the first Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork in 1988 (in the building which now houses Fox & Locke) and sold that location in 2008 when he launched the restaurant management group.

In 2020, Marshall served on the governor’s sub-committee to the Economic Recovery Committee, which worked to establish guidelines for the safe opening of restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. He serves on several boards, including the Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nashville Predators Foundation, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Hospitality Association Education Foundation and Tennessee Tourism Committee.

Marshall is among a growing slate of candidates vying for the seat, including Williamson County commissioner Mary Smith, former state Rep. Brandon Ogles and Williamson County commissioner and health care executive Todd Kaestner.

“We need a calm leader,” Marshall said. “We need somebody that's going to keep their head about themselves and keep pushing this county forward. You know, right now, there's a lot of division in our country, and we don't need that here in Williamson County. What we need to do is unite with each other and build this county and push it forward. I mean, we're already recognized across this nation as one of the best counties in the country. We need to keep that. We need to keep pushing it forward.”

The primary election will be held May 5, with the general election on Aug. 6.