August 2022
County Democratic Candidates
Primary: May 3
Early Voting: April 13-28
General: August 4
Early Voting: July 15-30
District Specific Candidates
Rev. John Butler for School Board, District 1
Rev. Butler is a pastor, social worker, former NAACP branch President, and community advocate. In 2015, the Knoxville Branch NAACP, led by Rev. Butler, initiated an Office of Civil Rights Complaint with the US Department of Education concerning disparities in education. This led to changes in zoning and busing for District 1 schools and informed the work of the Disparities of Educational Outcomes Task Force. He served on the Disparities of Education Outcomes Task Force & the Great Schools Partnership Board of Directors.
Stuart Hohl for County Commission, District 3
Stuart is a manager at a local production company, a new father, and the proud husband of a KCS teacher. He is running to be an advocate for teachers after years of seeing firsthand the need for more support. His goals will be to support public schools, have a more effective local government, and make sure all of his District 3 neighbors are taken care of by continuing to listen.
Kathrine Bike for School Board, District 4
Kathrine is a mother of two and a mentor to young girls in her community. She is running because of inequalities in special education resources she has seen in her children’s schools. Her focus will be on adequate resources, investments, and programs for every KCS student.
Annabel Henley for School Board, District 9
Annabel is a mother of five, a former teacher, and is currently serving as the program manager for the Women’s Health Clinic at the Knoxville Health Department. She is running out of concern as a former teacher for issues facing students and teachers. Her goals will be to empower educators with resources, ensure student success, and find solutions to address the inequities and disparities facing Knox County students.
County Wide Candidates
Debbie Helsley, County Mayor
Born and raised in South Knoxville, Debbie Helsley is a fifth-generation Knox County resident. A graduate of South High School, Helsley began her career at BellSouth and quickly joined the Communications Workers of America union, eventually serving as president of the CWA Local 3805 for 15 years. Helsley also served as vice president of the Tennessee AFL-CIO and vice president of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Area Central Labor Council.
She’s served on the board of the United Way of Greater Knoxville for two terms, and graduated from the Leadership Knoxville Class of 2007 and CAC Community Leadership in 2009.
In her neighborhood of South Woodlawn, Helsley was the inaugural president and is the current vice president of the neighborhood association. She also serves as the neighborhood association’s representative to the South Knoxville Neighborhood & Business Coalition.
Sarah Keith for General Sessions Judge, Division I
Sarah is a lifelong Tennessean and a While continually seeking justice for Knox Countians for nearly 15 years, Sarah has worked in a number of positions, from general prosecution to special unit assignments concentrating on Driving Under the Influence, Career Offenders, Gang Members, and Child Abuse cases. Her focus will be on ensuring everyone in the courtroom is given a fair chance.
Jackson Fenner for District Attorney
Jackson Fenner is a father, husband, attorney, community volunteer and small business operator. After graduating from the University of TN, Jackson stayed home in Knoxville where he began practicing law. He is running out of concern for Knox County’s rising murder rate and overdose deaths. His focus will be on shifting priorities in the DA’s office.
Dylan Earley for County Commission, Seat 10
Dylan mentors students from the University of Tennessee & Maryville College in career development and provides pro bono marketing consultations to small business owners. He is running to enact overdue changes for our public schools, jobs and access to opportunity, and government accountability. His goals will be to lift up public school teachers, provide opportunities for all, and hold government accountable.
Vivian Shipe for County Commission, Seat 11
Vivian is an activist, advocate for at-risk populations, and the founder and director of I am the Voice of the Voiceless. Her focus will be on sustainability, education disparities, and mental health.
Dana Moran for Circuit Court Clerk
Dana is a US Army combat Veteran and legal administrative professional. She is running for Knox County Circuit Court Clerk because for far too long the courthouse has been running like business as usual, and it’s time for a fresh perspective that brings our legal system into the 21st century. Her focus will be on accessibility, efficiency, and transparency, and fostering a culture of diversity.
Dave “Caz” Cazalet for Trustee
Dave’s spent his career making sure the job gets done for the public—whether it’s his service as a US Marine, his time administering an excess of $30 million in grants, securing growing financial revenue streams for public higher education, managing business development operations, or leading large teams of employees, he has spent decades serving the public. Dave’s background in public revenue creation demonstrates a commitment to accountable, competent, & ethical leadership.
Scott Crammond for Register of Deeds
Scott is a local real estate agent who often deals with the Register of Deeds office. His focus will be on making the office more efficient and effective.