The Brian Hornback Experience Episode 197 is now live, delivering a timely catch-up on local politics in Knox County, Tennessee, just ahead of the critical filing deadline for the May 5, 2026 primary elections.
In this episode, Brian Hornback returns to the mic from the Old Forge Distillery Podcast Studios (complete with his signature background setup featuring the American flag, Cas Walker memorabilia, and a shoutout to Knox County Trustee Justin Biggs). He kicks things off with a personal note about a recent minor health hiccup (a popped blood vessel from sneezing—nothing serious!) before diving straight into the ramp-up of legislative sessions in Nashville and the fast-approaching local races.
Key highlights from the episode include:
• An overview of the May 5, 2026 Knox County primary (with early voting starting April 15), including the filing deadline coming up soon after this recording.
• Updates on the Knox County School Board, including discussions around Powell Elementaryrezoning proposals to address overcrowding—without a new school build—potentially sending students to nearby schools like Amherst, Brickey-McCloud, and Karns. Brian shares his own past experiences with rezoning as a former school board member and parent.
• Profiles of school board races: Steve Triplett (District 7) currently unopposed in the GOP primary; Kristi Kristy (board chair) facing a Republican challenger; open seats and candidates like Kevin Crateau (District 6) and Ashley Sartelle challenging the Democrat in District 4.
• The competitive County Mayor race featuring three Republicans: Kim Frazier (Commission Seat 11), Larsen Jay (Seat 10), and Betsy Henderson (former school board member from District 6).
• Notable county commission matchups, including open seats in District 7 (with Buddy Burkheart, Barry Beeler, and Justin Mash in the GOP primary) and District 3 (Commission Chair Gina Oster vs. Sherry Super from Moms for Liberty).
• Countywide offices: Crowded field for County Clerk (Richie Beer, John Whitehead, Rodney Lane); Register of Deeds with Sherry Witt returning after a county clerk stint; Trustee (Justin Biggs facing opposition); and the high-profile Sheriff race with four candidates (David Amburn, Brent Gibson, Mike Davis, and former Sheriff Jimmy Jones).
• Other unopposed or low-contest races like circuit and criminal court clerks and Judge Emily Abbott’s criminal court judge seat.
Brian wraps up with his signature style—blunt commentary on local media, reminders to check brianhornback.com and The Mega Bullhorn of Truth for more details (including upcoming posts on school board meetings), and a plug for Old Forge Distillery (vodka, rum, moonshine, whiskey—drink responsibly, or don’t, but definitely don’t drive!).
This episode serves as a solid primer for anyone following Knox County politics as candidates finalize their runs before the filing window closes. It’s classic Brian: local insight, personal anecdotes, and no-nonsense takes on what’s shaping up to be a busy election cycle.
Watch the full episode here:
Stay tuned for Episode 198 dropping soon, and head over to brianhornback.com for the latest updates and deeper dives. Whether you’re in Knoxville, Farragut, or anywhere in Knox County or the World Wide Web—get informed and get ready to vote!
