Knox County voters elected school board member Betsy Henderson to succeed term-limited Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, though the race was closer than many expected.
Henderson, 47, is the first woman elected
mayor of Knox County. She won in crowded Republican primary where she beat two sitting Knox County commissioners. The pitch? Keeping taxes the same as they've been since 1999.
“I’m deeply, deeply honored," Henderson told a crowd of supporters Aug. 6. "From the very beginning, this campaign was about you, the taxpayers. We’re committing to making sure that county government remains focused on what matters: protecting your tax dollars."
Henderson inherits a tight county budget with challenges like ripening debt on the horizon and a growing population with deteriorating infrastructure. Henderson has promised voters to root out waste while providing essential services for taxpayers.
Henderson beat Democrat Beau Hawk with 52.5% of the vote.
Here's who else won in Knox County and will be sworn in Sept. 1.
Knox County sheriff
Brent Gibson was the lone candidate in the race.
"I’m more of a hands-on guy so it’s going to be hard for me to separate myself from catching the bad guys and supervising the guys who are catching the bad guys," Gibson told Knox News. "(The next steps are) taking a good account of what we got going on at the department. What needs to be fixed, what doesn't need to be fixed. Who needs to be there, who doesn't need to be there."
The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county and runs the Knox County jails. The sheriff oversees a staff of over 1,000 employees.
Knox County circuit court clerk
Republican Charlie Susano III ran unopposed in the primary and general elections for reelection as circuit court clerk.
"I'm looking forward to another term and finding newer and better ways to serve the people of Knox County," Susano told Knox News.
The circuit court clerk maintains the files and records of three Knox County courts: circuit, civil sessions and juvenile court.
Knox County Clerk
Republican Richie Beeler was the only candidate in the general election. Beeler could not be reached on Election Night.
The county clerk is responsible for collecting business taxes, taxes on motor vehicles, managing motor vehicle registrations and licensing, managing marriage licenses and keeping records of public meetings.
Knox County criminal court clerk
Republican Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond was unopposed in his bid for reelection. Hammond could not be reached on Election Night.
The criminal court clerk maintains the files and records of the Knox County criminal, general sessions, criminal and Fourth Circuit courts. The office also handles driver's license reinstatements, expungements and criminal background searches.
Knox County general sessions court judge
Republican Knox County General Sessions Court Judge Andrea Kline won the election to retain her position. She faced Democrat Ben Houston II.
“I’m so honored and I’m really excited about getting down to work and putting my teeth into it,” Kline said. “I really appreciate everyone who helped through this whole process.”
General sessions court judges have jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases.
Knox County register of deeds
Republican Knox County Clerk Sherry Witt ran unopposed. She was term-limited as clerk and switched offices.
"I just appreciate the voters and this party for giving me the opportunity to continue doing what I love doing: Being a public servant," Witt said. "I'm looking forward to making sure the office continues being the outstanding office it is now."
The register of deeds is the record keeper of property legal documents.
Knox County trustee
Republican Knox County Register of Deeds Nick McBride will be the new trustee. He could not be reached on Election Night.
McBride beat Democrat Stephen Hood.
The trustee is responsible for collecting residential, commercial and personal property taxes, accounting for and disbursing county funds, and investing money that isn't being used to earn interest and investment profits.
Knox County Commission At-Large Seat 10
Republican Justin Cofer beat Democrat Katina Sharp and independent Ronin Cunningham for the open seat that represents the entire county.
“We got this, thank you,” Cofer told supporters. “I won both the primary and general on $15,000. I thank each of you so much. To my boys, I wanted you to see your dad do something amazing and see what happens when a bunch of people with the same idea get together.”
Knox County Commission At-Large Seat 11
Republican Garrett Holt beat Democrat Vivian Shipe and David Verlarde for the open seat that represents the entire county.
“For all of you that live in Knox County, I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to serve each and every one of you,” Holt told supporters at the GOP watch party. “I ran for office in 2021. I came very close two years ago. Third times the charm. I think who serves us locally truly does matter. I’m looking forward to four years from now when I can look back and say I made Knox County a better place.”
Knox County Commission District 3
Democrat Brandon Huckaby flipped the seat from red to blue. He beat Republican Sheri Super, who ousted Commission Chair Gina Oster in the primary.
"When I ran for this seat, it was because I was tired of county commission focusing on party politics and constant infighting. I want to do the job and focus on local government without all the partisan fighting. That's what I'm most excited about: to get to work. It's the whole thing that I ran for and what I promised," he said.
District 3 stretches through the west side of Knoxville along Western Avenue to Dutchtown Road. It includes the Cedar Bluff and Amherst neighborhoods and parts of Hardin Valley.
Knox County Commission District 7
Republican Barry Beeler handily beat William Cooper.
“It’s a great opportunity," Beeler told Knox News. "We had a great team, District 7 is a beautiful place. I met so many great people door knocking. I’ve been talking to senior directors, reaching out to commissioners. I’m looking forward to orientation next week. I just want to be the best prepared that I can be,” he said.
District 7 is in the north central part of the county. It shares a border with Anderson County to the west and Knoxville city limits to the east. It includes the Halls, Heiskell and Powell communities.
Farragut mayor
Alderman Alex Cain narrowly beat Louise Povlin with 50.5% of the vote.
"It was not an easy race," Cain told supporters. "The mud-slinging started on day one. Our conservative values held true. We're going to bring the town of Farragut back to the people and make sure the people are focused. When it's all said and done, I'm going to have to replace myself. We're going to have a supermajority of conservative values."
The Farragut mayor serves as the chair of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. It's a nonpartisan position.
Farragut Alderman, Ward 1
Joey Ruffalo beat Dian Hall in the nonpartisan race.
“I appreciate everybody’s support,” Ruffalo said. “Thank you for coming out and voting.”
Ward 1 includes the northern half of the town, starting at the border with Turkey Creek and stretching along Kingston Pike west to Knox County's border with Anderson County.
Farragut Alderman, Ward 2
Greg Wiberley beat incumbent Joe LaCroix in the nonpartisan race. Wiberley could not be reached on Election Night.
Ward 2 includes the southern half of the town, starting just past Concord Road and stretching along Kingston Pike west to Knox County's border with Anderson County.
Allie Feinberg is the politics reporter for Knox News. Email: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com; Reddit: u/KnoxNewsAllie
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Betsy Henderson is Knox County's first woman elected mayor, and here's who else won
