Hello, Knox County! As a local resident here in Knox County, Tennessee, I had the opportunity to attend the recent meeting at the Halls Republican Club, and I wanted to share my thoughts and highlights from the event. On February 10, 2026, the club held its regular second-Tuesday meeting at the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee Valley on Dry Gap Pike. This gathering was particularly exciting because it featured candidates vying for key positions in the upcoming May 5, 2026, Knox County Republican Primary: four candidates for Sheriff and two for Trustee.
The Halls Republican Club, led by President R. Larry Smith, is a staple for local conservatives to discuss issues, meet leaders, and engage with the political process. With the 2026 elections heating up, this forum provided a great platform for candidates to share their visions, answer questions, and connect with voters. The primary will decide nominees for offices like Sheriff, Trustee, County Mayor, and more, and given Knox County’s strong Republican lean, the winners here could shape local governance for years to come.
The Sheriff Candidates: Four Strong Contenders
The race for Knox County Sheriff is competitive, with four Republican candidates stepping up to replace currently popular Sheriff Tom Spangler. Each brings a unique background in law enforcement, emphasizing public safety, community engagement, and efficient operations. Here’s a quick rundown:
• Brent Gibson: A former Assistant Chief under previous sheriffs, Gibson has deep experience in the department. He focused on modernizing operations, fighting opioid issues, and enhancing deputy training during the forum.
• JJ Jones: As a former Knox County Sheriff, Jones brings previous leadership. He highlighted his past successes in reducing crime rates and improving jail management, promising a return to “tried-and-true” strategies.
• David Amburn: The current Chief of Detectives, Amburn emphasized continuity and internal reforms. He spoke about leveraging technology for better policing and building stronger ties with community groups.
• Mike Davis: A retired law enforcement officer with decades of service, Davis positioned himself as an outsider ready to bring fresh ideas. He stressed accountability, transparency, and addressing mental health in policing.
The Q&A session was lively, with attendees asking about everything from border security impacts on local crime to budget priorities.
Watch David Amburn opening remarks here.
Watch Mike Davis opening remarks here.
Watch Brent Gibson opening remarks here.
Watch Jimmy Jones opening remarks here.
• For the Q & A of the candidates, check it out here
The Trustee Candidates: A Head-to-Head Matchup
For Knox County Trustee, two Republican candidates are in the mix: incumbent Trustee Justin Biggs and his opponent. The Trustee’s office handles property taxes, investments, and financial oversight for the county—critical for keeping taxes low and services efficient.
• Justin Biggs: The current Trustee, Biggs defended his record on streamlining collections and investing wisely. Watch Biggs here.
• Biggs opponent: Term-limited as Register of Deeds, brings experience in property records.
The Q&A for these two was insightful, covering topics like property tax relief and tax freeze. Thankfully, a full video of their session from the Halls Republican Club meeting is available, here on TheMegaBullhornofTruth channel:
Why This Matters for Knox County
Events like this at the Halls Republican Club are vital for democracy. They allow everyday folks like us in Knox County to hear directly from candidates without the filter of ads or media spin. With the primary just a few months away, it’s time to get informed—check your voter registration, research the issues, and plan to vote on May 5.
If you’re interested in joining future meetings, the Halls Republican Club meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. All Republicans are welcome! For more on the candidates, visit the Knox County Election Commission’s site for petition filings and disclosures: Knox County Elections.
What did you think of the forum? Who are you supporting? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from fellow Knox Countians.
Stay engaged,
