Democratic incumbent Katherine Bike faces Republican newcomer Ashley Sartelle in one of Knox County’s most purple political battlegrounds.
Weekly Watch: July 27-Aug. 2, 2026
Every Monday we run down the week’s public meetings and civic events.
Election 2026: School Board District 9
Democrat Brandy Jenkins and Republican Bill Sofield are running to replace two-term School Board member Kristi Kristy.
Election 2026: General Sessions Court Judge
Judge Andrea Kline, a Republican who was appointed to the seat seven months ago, faces Democrat Ben Houston II.
Caution: Copperhead Crossing
Serenity can be found even among snakes and bears on an overnight camping trip in the mountains of Unicoi County.
Election 2026: Commission At-Large Seat 11
Republican Garrett Holt, Democrat Vivian Underwood Shipe and independent David Velarde are on the ballot.
Election 2026: Commission At-Large Seat 10
Republican Justin Cofer, Democrat Rev. Katina Sharp and independent Ronin Cunningham are running to succeed Larsen Jay on County Commission.
Election 2026: School Board District 6
Political newcomers Cadence Collins and Lee Ann Eaves offer Northwest Knox County voters a clear choice in this year’s election.
Election 2026: Commission District 7
Republican Barry Beeler is vying with Democrat William Cooper to represent a district that has historically been heavily red.
A Candidate Conversation
Three days before early voting begins, Knox County mayoral hopefuls Beau Hawk and Betsy Henderson took questions from residents at a forum in West Hills.