Knox Dems Chair Calls on Justin Cofer to Withdraw From Race

Public office is a sacred trust. Those who ask for the privilege of representing the people of Knox County must be held to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. Recent reports regarding Justin Cofer’s past employment history including multiple terminations and deeply troubling allegations involving the distribution of controlled substances to individuals in custody raise profound concerns about his fitness for public office.

This is not a matter of partisan politics. It is a matter of public trust, public safety, and the credibility of our democratic institutions. When a candidate’s documented history conflicts so sharply with the expectations of lawful and ethical conduct, any political organization that continues to support that candidacy must reckon with the consequences of that choice. Party leadership does not get to look away. They do not get to pretend the facts are irrelevant. They have a responsibility to the public, to the process, and to the integrity of their own organization to act decisively when a candidate’s record threatens the community’s confidence.

To preserve the integrity of our elections and maintain public confidence in those who seek to govern, it is in the best interest of this community for Justin Cofer to withdraw his candidacy.

The residents of Knox County deserve better and every institution involved in this election must decide whether it stands for accountability or for expedience.

— Knox County Democratic Party Chair