FARRAGUT, Tenn. – December 4, 2025 – Members of the Concord Farragut Republican Club met at the Fruition Cafe Thursday evening to hear directly from the three attorneys hoping to succeed retiring General Sessions Judge Andy Jackson VI in Division IV.

Judge Jackson, who has served Knox County for more than two decades, announced earlier this year that he will retire effective December 31, 2025. With the seat opening at the start of the new year, the Knox County Commission is scheduled to interview the anpicants and appoint one of them at a special called meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025. The appointee will take the bench on January 5, 2026, and will serve until the August 2026 county general election, when the seat will appear on the ballot for the remainder of the eight-year term.

The three applicants who addressed the club are:

•  Andrea Kline, Knox County Assistant District Attorney with extensive trial experience in General Sessions Court. Kline’s presentation, here. 

•  Rhonda Lee, a Criminal Defense Attorney and Knox County Commissioner District 7 since September 1, 2022. Lee’s presentation is here. 

•  Kevin Teeters, an Assistant District Attorney who has spent much of his time in General Sessions Misdemeanor Court. Teeters presentation is here. 

Each candidate was given time to introduce themselves and explain why they believe they are the best choice for the position, followed by a robust question-and-answer session moderated by club member and Knoxville Attorney Nate Ogle. THe Q&A here. 

The Knox County Commission will make its decision in just four days. Until then, local political observers say the race remains close to call, with each candidate bringing a distinct background to a court that handles everything from traffic tickets and evictions to preliminary hearings in felony cases.