The Rutherford County Democratic Convention convened Saturday morning at the Murfreesboro Courthouse where a new executive committee and executive officers were chosen by the party.

A couple hundred residents showed up on a warm spring Saturday and gathered to choose new leaders during the re-organization meeting that takes place every two years.

The executive committee chose Justin St. Clair of Smyrna for the new RCDP chairman, replacing Jonathon Fagan.

“Our party now stands unified, and prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, St. Clair said. "People in Rutherford County, like much of the nation, are struggling to support their families and living paycheck to paycheck under the weight of an uncertain future. Now more than ever, it is essential that we maintain and grow the middle class. We are the party of working America, small business and economic prosperity for all. We are the party of education, equality and innovation. Together we can reach out to working people, grow our party and restore sanity to the State House, Congress and local government.”

Jimmy Deane of Murfreesboro for first vice chair and the position of second vice chair is now held by Charyse McDaniel of Lavergne, corresponding secretary by Kimberli Rose Jensen of Smyrna, recording secretary by Linda Simmons of Murfreesboro and treasurer by Michael Cowger of Smyrna.

In addition to the officers, one male and one female member each of 21 respective commission districts in the county were also chosen to represent the RCDP.