Mayor Betsy Henderson and a bevy of newcomers formally took office on Tuesday to give county government a fresh look.
Red to Blue
An analysis of the election returns shows crossover voting and stronger city turnout bolstered Democratic gains.
Henderson Prevails Over Hawk
The GOP won the mayoral contest and kept its majority on Knox County Commission, but Democrats ate into the Republicans’ advantage.
Election 2026: School Board District 7
Incumbent Steve Triplett faces a challenge from small-business owner Amy Fenner for the North Knox seat.
Election 2026: School Board District 1
Democrat Breyauna Holloway and Republican Charles Frazier are vying to represent Knox County’s most deeply blue area.
Election 2026: School Board District 4
Democratic incumbent Katherine Bike faces Republican newcomer Ashley Sartelle in one of Knox County’s most purple political battlegrounds.
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.
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.











