As the holiday season winds down, political eyes in Knox County are already turning toward the 2026 elections. Monday, December 22, 2025, marks the first day that aspiring candidates can pick up qualifying petitions for local offices on the May 5, 2026, Knox County Republican and Democratic Primary ballots. This includes seats on the Knox County Commission, among other positions.
In early movement, Kimberly Glenn, the longtime Communications Director for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, has taken a key initial step toward a potential candidacy. Yesterday, she appointed a treasurer for a Republican Primary run for the At-Large Seat 10 on the Knox County Commission—a seat currently held by Commissioner Larsen Jay.
In a conversation today, Glenn confirmed her strong interest in running for this countywide position. While she acknowledges that early voting doesn’t begin until April 15, 2026, her campaign preparations are underway.
That said, Glenn emphasized that politics is not the priority right now for many in the Knox County law enforcement community. Her immediate focus—and what she urges others to join in—is praying for the continued recovery and healing of Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon, who has been hospitalized in the ICU following recent serious health issues. Lyon, a 46-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and a declared candidate for Knox County Sheriff in 2026, has shown signs of improvement in recent updates, including being awake and responding to simple commands.
As the petition period opens, we’ll likely see more candidates emerge in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates on the evolving field for Knox County’s 2026 races. In the meantime, thoughts and prayers remain with Chief Lyon and his family during this challenging time.
