This week, the Farragut Press released its much-anticipated Kickoff 25 high school football preview, a staple for local sports fans gearing up for the season. Amid the excitement for the Farragut Admirals and other local teams, one full-page political ad in the publication has sparked some conversation—not for its content alone, but for what it’s missing and where it was staged.
The ad promotes the current Deputy County Clerk, who is now campaigning to replace his term-limited boss, the County Clerk, in the 2026 election. The candidate’s resume is steeped in local government experience. He served as a County Commissioner, even chairing the commission in 2021, before taking on the Deputy County Clerk role. Prior to that, he spent years as an employee of the Register of Deeds office, from which he retired. His decision to skip a run for County Commissioner in 2024 seems strategic, likely clearing the path for his 2026 County Clerk campaign.
However, the ad has a notable flaw: it lacks the legally required “Paid For” disclosure. This omission is no small matter, as Tennessee election law mandates clear identification of who funded political advertisements. Missing this detail raises questions about compliance and transparency—issues that could cast a shadow over an otherwise seasoned candidate’s campaign kickoff.
Adding to the curiosity, the ad features a photo of the candidate in front of the Corryton Senior Center. For a publication centered on Farragut, a community known for its Admirals pride, the choice of a backdrop in Corryton—miles away from Farragut’s borders—feels like an odd disconnect. Was it a deliberate nod to a broader voter base, or simply an oversight? Either way, it’s a head-scratcher for readers flipping through the Kickoff 25.
As the 2026 election cycle begins to take shape, this ad serves as an early reminder: details matter in politics, from legal compliance to local relevance. Stay tuned as we keep an eye on this race and others shaping up in Knox County..
Monday, December 22, 2025 is the first day to pick up a petition for the Tuesday May 5, 2026 elections.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 at NOON is the Petition Deadline.
Offices on the ballot:
- County MayorÂ
- County Commission – Districts 3 and 7Â
- County Commission – Seats 10 and 11Â
- TrusteeÂ
- SheriffÂ
- Circuit Court ClerkÂ
- Criminal Court ClerkÂ
- County ClerkÂ
- Register of DeedsÂ
- Board of Education – Districts 1, 4, 6, 7, and 9
