Election Day 2025 wrapped up across the country on November 4, with ballots still being counted in river-city Knoxville, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Garden State of New Jersey, and the Big Apple itself. While the nation watched battleground races, local Republicans in Knox County gathered in force—honoring veterans, plotting 2026 strategies, and celebrating a hard-fought win against a proposed sales tax hike.
Federated Republican Women Host Senator Briggs in Farragut
The Knoxville Federated Republican Women held their monthly meeting at the Farragut Community Center, featuring State Senator Dr. Richard Briggs as keynote speaker. With Veterans Day just a week away, Dr. Briggs delivered an inspiring address on the sacrifices of Tennessee’s veterans and the importance of continued support for those who served.
Club Treasurer Mrs. Pat brought a piece of history to the forefront, sharing a wartime journal kept by a family member who fought in the Pacific theater immediately after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The room—packed with elected leaders and grassroots activists—listened in reverent silence.
Among the notables in attendance:
• Commission Chair Gina Oster
• Commissioner Larsen Jay
• Knox County Clerk Sherry Witt
• Town of Farragut Mayor Ron Williams
• Lt. Governor Randy McNally
• TN Republican Party State Executive Committeeman (SD-6) – yours truly
• 2026 Seventh District Commission candidate Buddy Burkhardt
• Kathy Wright, representing Senator Becky Duncan Massey
Karns Republican Club: Sheriff Race Heats Up, Judicial Ambitions Revealed
Meanwhile, out at the Karns Republican Club, the focus turned to public safety and the judiciary. Knox Sheriff candidate Bernie Lyon addressed the packed house, laying out his vision for the department ahead of the 2026 primary.
In a surprise announcement, Knox County Prosecutor Andrea Kline revealed her intention to seek appointment to the General Sessions Court bench, replacing retiring Judge Andrew Jackson VI. Kline’s prosecutorial record and courtroom experience immediately positioned her as a frontrunner.
The evening also brought confirmation from local reporting: a fifth candidate, Matt Evans, has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Knox County Sheriff’s race, narrowing the field as Republicans look to succeed retiring Sheriff Tom Spangler.
Correction Corner: New Jersey Governor’s Race & Sales Tax Credit
A quick mea culpa from last night’s Facebook Live coverage: I mistakenly declared a Republican victory in the New Jersey Governor’s race while glancing at a television chyron. That was incorrect. My apologies for the error.
Additionally, while I spotlighted Bentley Marlow and Parker Bartholomew for their tireless opposition to the proposed sales tax increase, full credit must go to the broader coalition. The Knox County Republican Party, through its affiliated PAC and in partnership with Parthenon Strategies, played a pivotal role in educating voters and mobilizing turnout against the measure. The defeat at the polls stands as a testament to grassroots coordination and fiscal conservatism.
Looking Ahead
As East Tennessee Republicans head into the 2026 cycle, the energy is palpable. From veterans’ advocacy to judicial appointments and a streamlined sheriff’s primary, the groundwork is being laid now. Stay tuned—Knox County’s political season never truly ends.
