Welcome back to another episode of The Brian Hornback Experience, where we dive deep into the issues that matter most to East Tennessee and spotlight the leaders stepping up to serve our community.

In Episode 208, I sat down with Betsy Henderson, a two-term Knox County School Board member and current Republican candidate for Knox County Mayor. With the Republican primary just weeks away on May 5, 2026, this was a timely and insightful conversation about leadership, local values, and the future of our county.

You can watch the full episode here:

Who is Betsy Henderson?

Betsy Henderson is a proud native East Tennessean, a committed conservative Republican, and a lifelong product of public schools. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, she lives in Hardin Valley with her husband Scott and their two children, Logan and Molly.

Her family story embodies the American Dream: her mother grew up in South Knoxville, and her father immigrated from Greece at age 16. Betsy has deep roots in our community — from her faith (raised in the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and now attending Cedar Springs Presbyterian) to her dedication to public service.

Since 2020, Betsy has served on the Knox County Board of Education, including time as Board Chair, twice. She’s known for fighting to empower parents, strengthen schools, and defend common-sense conservative values — especially during the challenging COVID-19 years when she stood firm for freedom and local control.

Key Highlights from the Conversation

In this episode, Betsy and I covered a wide range of topics central to Knox County’s future:

•  No New Taxes: Betsy emphasized that Knox County hasn’t raised taxes since 1999 and doesn’t need to now. She’s committed to fiscal responsibility, keeping government lean, and focusing on core services like roads, public safety, and schools.

•  Smart, Conservative Growth: Protecting the character and identity of Knox County while supporting responsible development. As Betsy put it, people move here for a reason — we must preserve what makes this place special.

•  Public Safety and Law and Order: Betsy stressed working closely with law enforcement, first responders, and the judicial system. She highlighted the importance of accountability, protecting families, and strong emergency services.

•  Education and Parent Empowerment: Drawing from her school board experience, Betsy shared how she’s advocated for better student outcomes, parental involvement, and keeping ideology out of the classroom.

•  Her “Crossroads Plan”: Betsy is the only candidate who has released a detailed conservative blueprint for the county. It focuses on low taxes, core government functions, and getting obstacles out of the way so families and businesses can thrive.

•  Her Personal “Why”: Public service is personal for Betsy. She talked about her family’s small business background, her love for East Tennessee, and why she believes leadership means setting clear priorities rather than trying to do everything.

We also discussed the broader Republican primary field and what sets Betsy apart: her proven record of courage and consistency, especially when it mattered most during the pandemic.

Why This Race Matters

Knox County is at a crossroads. With strong population growth and changing dynamics, the next mayor will set the tone for years to come — on taxes, growth, education, and preserving our East Tennessee way of life.

Betsy Henderson brings a clear conservative vision: personal freedom, responsibility, hard work, and low taxes. She’s not interested in expanding government — she wants to focus on what works and protect the blessings that make Knox County special.

Final Thoughts

It was a pleasure hosting Betsy on the show. Whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, I think you’ll appreciate her straightforward approach and deep commitment to our community.

If you haven’t already, head over to BetsyHenderson.com to learn more about her campaign, read her full plan, and get involved.

Primary Election Reminder: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 — be sure to vote!

Thanks for listening to Episode 208. If you enjoyed the conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends and neighbors here in Knox County.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — I read every one.

Until next time,