In the latest installment of The Brian Hornback Experience—Episode 206—I sat down with Kim Frazier, the conservative At-Large Knox County Commissioner and candidate for Knox County Mayor in the 2026 election. With term-limited Mayor Glenn Jacobs stepping aside, the race for Knox County’s top executive position is heating up, and Frazier is bringing a message of proven leadership, community focus, and accountability to the table.

You can watch the full episode here:

Who Is Kim Frazier?

Kim Frazier has called Knoxville home for nearly 30 years. She and her husband, Major Russ Frazier, M.D., have built deep roots in the community. Before entering elected office, Kim wore many hats: Executive Director of a local rehabilitation company, Human Resources Director for a global entertainment lighting firm, nonprofit consultant, small business owner (jewelry design), and active volunteer and board member across numerous community organizations.

Her entry into local government stemmed from grassroots advocacy—particularly as founder and director of Hardin Valley Planning Advocates, where she pushed for smart, intentional growth paired with coordinated infrastructure. That community-driven work led her to serve on the Knox County Government Ethics Committee (as Vice-Chair) and ultimately to her election as At-Large Commissioner (Seat 11) in 2022, where she currently serves as Vice-Chair.

Frazier describes her journey with a simple philosophy: “Sometimes, you are called to do what you are already doing but with greater purpose and on a bigger platform.” In our conversation, she shared how her experiences—from behind-the-scenes teamwork to public advocacy—have equipped her to lead Knox County as its next mayor.

Key Highlights from the Interview

Throughout the episode, Kim and I discussed what it takes to run a growing county like Knox. We covered her “Community First” platform, which emphasizes putting hardworking families and local neighborhoods ahead of politics-as-usual.

Core themes included:

•  Proven Experience and Readiness to Lead on Day One: Frazier highlighted her track record on the County Commission, including budget oversight, public safety, infrastructure, and day-to-day county services. She stressed the need for experienced, accountable leadership in the mayor’s office.

•  Smart Growth and Infrastructure: Drawing from her Hardin Valley advocacy, she talked about balancing development with the roads, schools, and services communities actually need.

•  Ethics, Accessibility, and Transparency: As a former Ethics Committee Vice-Chair, Kim spoke about maintaining trust in county government and being accessible to all residents.

•  Public Safety, Economy, and Quality of Life: We touched on how the mayor’s role impacts everything from law enforcement support to fostering economic opportunities while preserving the character of Knox County’s diverse communities.

Frazier repeatedly returned to her core motivation: a deep investment in the people and places that make Knox County special. She believes local decisions should prioritize families, not distant interests.

Why This Race Matters

The 2026 Knox County Mayoral race features a competitive Republican primary (with candidates including Frazier, Commissioner Larsen Jay, and School Board member Betsy Henderson), followed by the general election. As an At-Large Commissioner representing the entire county, Frazier positions herself as someone who already understands the breadth of issues—from urban Knoxville to suburban and rural areas.

In our discussion, she made it clear she’s not running for a title but to continue serving with greater impact. Her campaign slogan captures it well: Community First.

Final Thoughts from the Host

It was a pleasure hosting Kim on the show. She came across as grounded, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to the kind of practical, results-oriented governance that East Tennesseans value. Whether you’re a longtime Knox County resident or someone following local politics closely, this episode gives real insight into her vision for the county’s future.

If you haven’t already, head over to her campaign site at electkimfrazier.com to learn more about her priorities, read her full story, or get involved as a volunteer.

What did you think of the interview? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this post, and be sure to subscribe to The Brian Hornback Experience for more candid conversations with leaders, candidates, and newsmakers across Tennessee.

Watch the full episode now: https://youtu.be/6k8Szo4HZYU

Brian Hornback is a Knoxville-area podcaster and commentator focused on local issues, politics, and community stories. Follow the show on YouTube and social media for upcoming episodes.