You’ve heard it from Republicans for years: if you want to run as one of us, you’d better be “bonafide.” That means voting in at least 3 out of the last 4 major State and Federal Primaries (August 2024, March 2024, August 2022, and August 2020). It’s a simple loyalty test — and yes, it’s actually a misdemeanor in Tennessee to cross over and vote in the other party’s primary.

Democrats? They don’t seem to care. Knox County Democratic Chair Dominica Bryan rolled out her full slate of candidates for the 2026 local elections, and we decided to do what the Democrats never do: look at the actual voting records. What we found is embarrassing for them — and hilarious for anyone who values consistency.

Here’s the cold, hard data straight from the voter file:

Beau Hawk – Democrat candidate for Knox County Mayor

Zero Democratic primaries. The man has only voted in two general elections: November 2023 Knoxville and November 2024. That’s it. Not exactly a lifelong Democrat.

Stephen A. Hood – Democrat candidate for Knox County Trustee

Since 2008 he’s voted in 24 elections… but only 2 Democratic primaries (August 2020 & 2024). He voted in 13 Republican primaries — including the 2024 Presidential primary and August 2022. That’s 2-out-of-4 under the Republican bonafide rule. Not exactly “Trusty” for a Trustee.

Joey Tate – Democrat candidate for Knox County Clerk

35 elections total, 16 Democratic primaries, but still crossed over for 2 Republican primaries in 2018. Better than most on this list, but still not pure.

Ben Houston – Democrat candidate for General Sessions Judge, Division IV

50 elections, 19 Democratic primaries, 3 Republican primaries (2010 & 2006). Again, some crossover.

Brandon Huckaby – Democrat Third District Commissioner

Only 8 elections total, 3 Democratic primaries, zero Republican. Finally — someone who actually votes Democratic.

William A. Cooper – Democrat Seventh District Commissioner

Just 4 elections total and only 1 Democratic primary. Thin record.

Katina Sharp – Democrat At-Large Seat 10 Commissioner

21 elections, 8 Democratic primaries, 1 Republican primary (May 2018).

Vivian U. Shipe – Democrat At-Large Seat 11 Commissioner

65 elections — the most experienced on the slate — 26 Democratic primaries, but still one Republican primary in August 2016.

Dr. John Butler – Democrat First District School Board

38 elections, 10 Democratic primaries, 3 Republican primaries (2014 & 2018).

Otavais J. Harris – Democrat First District School Board

21 years old. No voting record at all. Registered, but never voted. Zero.

Breyauna Holloway – Democrat First District School Board

25 elections, 9 Democratic primaries, zero Republican. Solid on paper.

Katherine E. Bike – Democrat Fourth District School Board

27 elections, 8 Democratic primaries, 1 Republican primary (March 2016 Presidential).

Cadence Collins – Democrat Sixth District School Board

Only 7 elections total, 1 Democratic primary and 1 Republican primary (March 2012).

Amy Fenner – Democrat Seventh District School Board

17 elections, 8 Democratic primaries, zero Republican.

Brandy Jenkins – Democrat Ninth District School Board

Only 8 elections, 3 Democratic primaries, zero Republican.

And just for fun — the lone Independent in the race:

Ronin Cunningham – Independent At-Large Commissioner

Voted in all three elections since registering in March 2024… both 2024 Republican primaries (March and August). An Independent who’s more Republican than half the Democrats on Bryan’s ticket.

Bottom line: Dominica Bryan’s “Democratic” slate is full of people who either barely vote in Democratic primaries, crossed over to vote Republican, or don’t vote at all. Republicans have a clear loyalty standard. Democrats apparently have one rule: “If you say you’re a Democrat on the filing form, good enough.”

Tennessee voters deserve better. Especially in Knox County. If these candidates can’t even pass the basic “bonafide” test that Republicans hold their own to, why should any voter trust them with your tax dollars, your courts, your schools, or your county government?

The records don’t lie. The Democrats just hope you never look them up.