Three and a half weeks after entering the Republican primary for Knox County Sheriff, David Amburn officially launched his campaign on the evening of January 29, 2026, at The Lighthouse on Baum Drive in West Knoxville.

Amburn was surrounded by family, friends, and supporters as the event opened with a prayer from Scott Jackson, followed by an introduction from Rev. Leland Lyon. The crowd filled the venue, signaling strong early interest in the race for one of Knox County’s most visible and consequential offices.

You can watch all the speeches, here I missed the last couple minutes due to low battery power.

Currently serving as Chief of Detectives, Amburn used the opportunity to outline his extensive law-enforcement experience and long-standing service with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, which began in 1992. He spoke about the evolution of the office over more than three decades, emphasizing institutional knowledge, leadership continuity, and a commitment to public safety.

Amburn highlighted his work in investigations and leadership roles within the Sheriff’s Office, stressing that experience and steady leadership will be critical as Knox County continues to grow and face new public safety challenges.

With the Republican primary still months away, Thursday night’s event marked the first major public step in Amburn’s campaign, positioning him as a serious contender in the race for Knox County Sheriff.