As we enter 2026, the race for Knox County Sheriff is gaining momentum—and growing more crowded. Following the tragic passing of longtime Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon in December 2025, the field has expanded with two new entrants, bringing the total to five announced Republican candidates.

The unexpected death of Bernie Lyon, a 46-year veteran of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and a leading contender, shook the community and the department. Lyon, who served as chief deputy under current Sheriff Tom Spangler, was seen by many as a strong successor. His loss has reshaped the contest to replace the term-limited Spangler.

The Current Republican Primary Field

All five candidates are running in the Republican primary, with no Democratic or Independent challengers announced so far:

•  Brent Gibson: Former Assistant Chief Deputy, Director of Training, and SWAT Commander at KCSO. Gibson brings extensive leadership experience and focuses on accountability, transparency, and community safety.

•  Mike Davis: Retired federal DEA agent with prior service at KCSO. Davis emphasizes his drug enforcement expertise, integrity, and a fresh external perspective.

•  David Amburn: Current Assistant Chief at KCSO. Amburn offers insider knowledge of ongoing department operations and leadership in fleet and corrections extensively.

•  Christopher Allison: Lieutenant in the KCSO Traffic Unit. Allison adds frontline patrol and traffic enforcement experience to the mix.

•  James Jones: Former Knox County Sheriff (2007–2018). Jones is aiming for a return to the office, leveraging his past tenure and deep familiarity with county operations.

Given Knox County’s strong Republican leanings, the May primary is likely to decide the next sheriff, who will lead one of East Tennessee’s largest law enforcement agencies.

Important Election Timeline

•  Petition Filing Deadline: February 19, 2026 (plenty of time for more candidates to jump in).

•  Early Voting: April 15–30, 2026

•  Primary Election Day: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

•  General Election August 6, 2026

This race comes at a pivotal time for KCSO, with improvements to the department under Spangler like Officer pay, community relations, drug enforcement, and public safety.

Many are wondering whether retiring Sheriff Tom Spangler will weigh in publicly. Will he throw his support behind one contender? Will he actively oppose another? Or, in the wake of the profound personal loss, might he choose to stay on the sidelines entirely?

I’m firmly convinced that Sheriff Spangler has no desire to see the Knox County Sheriff’s Office revert to the challenges it faced before his leadership brought stability and reform. However, the recent passing of his longtime Chief Deputy and close friend Bernie Lyon—combined with Spangler’s own ongoing battle with health issues over the past couple of years—makes his next moves difficult to predict. At this point, any involvement from him feels like a true coin flip.

We’ll continue monitoring announcements, campaign platforms, and any new entrants as the filing deadline approaches.

Who do you think is best suited to lead the Knox County Sheriff’s Office next? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—and make sure you’re registered to vote!