Welcome back to another episode of The Brian Hornback Experience! In Episode 204, Brian sits down with Brent Gibson, a longtime Knox County law enforcement veteran and Republican candidate for Knox County Sheriff in the May 5, 2026 primary.
If you’re a Knoxvillian concerned about public safety, officer retention, school security, or restoring trust in local leadership, this conversation delivers straight talk from someone who’s spent over 25 years on the front lines.
Who Is Brent Gibson?
Brent Gibson isn’t new to Knox County — far from it. He joined the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) in 1999 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. Over his career, he rose through the ranks, serving as sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and Assistant Chief Deputy.
He’s a proud University of Tennessee Vol (he came to Knoxville in 1992 to play football) and a dedicated family man — husband and father of two daughters. Gibson also served as the principal firearms and defensive tactics instructor at the KCSO Regional Training Academy and commanded the SWAT team from 2018 until his retirement in 2024.
In short: this is a candidate with deep institutional knowledge, tactical expertise, and a track record of training and leading officers.
Key Topics from the Conversation
Brian and Brent dive into what it takes to lead the Sheriff’s Office in today’s environment. Gibson emphasizes returning accountability, trust, and conservative values to the office. His core message: “Give citizens the leadership they deserve.”
Among the highlights:
• Officer Recruitment and Retention — Gibson has watched staffing challenges grow. He stresses the need to attract and keep quality deputies in a competitive environment where other agencies are recruiting aggressively.
• School Safety and Community Protection — With rising concerns about youth crime and public safety, Gibson discusses practical steps for securing schools and partnering with the community.
• Transparency and Financial Responsibility — He advocates for clear communication with residents and smart stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
• Public Engagement — Rebuilding relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the people it serves, including addressing issues like homelessness that have evolved dramatically since he first pinned on the badge (when, he notes, officers often knew individuals by name).
Gibson repeatedly ties his platform back to proven leadership and conservative principles. He wants a Sheriff’s Office that listens, protects, and operates with integrity.
Why This Race Matters
The 2026 Knox County Sheriff’s race is wide open. Incumbent Sheriff Tom Spangler is term-limited, and four strong Republicans are competing in the May 5 primary:. No Democrats filed, so the primary winner will likely become the next Sheriff.
In a county where the Sheriff operates with significant independence — overseeing patrol, the jail, and major operational decisions — voters are looking for experience and vision. Gibson positions himself as the candidate who combines decades of local service with fresh energy to tackle modern challenges.
Final Thoughts from Brian’s Guest
Brent Gibson comes across as a steady, no-nonsense leader who loves Knox County and wants to serve it again — this time at the top. His message is straightforward: leadership you know, values you trust.
Whether you’re a longtime listener of The Brian Hornback Experience or just tuning in for election coverage, Episode 204 gives you direct insight into one of the most important local races on the ballot this year.
Watch or Listen Now:
Episode 204 – Brent Gibson on YouTube
What Do You Think?
If you’ve watched the episode, drop a comment below: What stood out to you most from Brent Gibson’s interview? Who are you supporting in the Knox County Sheriff’s race, and why?
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Brian Hornback Experience for more candid conversations with local leaders, candidates, and community voices. New episodes drop regularly — stay tuned!
Election Reminder: Early voting is April 15-30 and the May 5, 2026 Republican primary are coming up fast. Make your voice heard.
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