Knox County Mayor Choose 1
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://hawkforknox.com
Campaign Email
vote@hawkforknox.com
Age
35
Mailing Address
1522 Bill Williams Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37917
Knoxville, TN 37917
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for Knox County Mayor because too many people feel like the Knox County government isn’t working for them anymore. Housing costs are rising, traffic and infrastructure challenges are growing, and working families are being squeezed while the same political insiders keep making the decisions. As an ironworker and labor leader, I’ve spent my career standing up for working people and building coalitions to get real results. I’m running to bring that same focus to county government—tackling the housing shortage, investing in infrastructure and public services, strengthening our workforce, and restoring transparency and accountability so Knox County works for the people who live and work here.
How has your background prepared you to serve in this office?
As president of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council, I wake up every day to fight for the thousands of union workers who make our community run: from postal workers to cashiers to welders to musicians in the symphony. My leadership, representing over 30 local unions, has given me great insight into the challenges facing workers across our community. I’m ready to take them on as our next County Mayor – whether it’s working to attract jobs with more competitive wages, fighting for more housing options working families can actually afford, or taking a new and more transparent approach to how county government works. My campaign is about building a local government by and for the working people who make this Knox County run.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The County Mayor’s core responsibility is to manage county government effectively so residents receive reliable services and taxpayer dollars are used wisely. This includes preparing and administering the county budget, overseeing departments and employees, and ensuring essential services like infrastructure, public safety support, and emergency response operate efficiently. The mayor must also coordinate with County Commission and local partners to plan for growth so infrastructure keeps pace with development. Just as important is leading with transparency and accountability so residents can trust their government is working in the public interest.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I bring the perspective of someone who has spent their entire career advocating for working people and building coalitions to solve real problems. As President of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council, I represent more than 30 unions and thousands of workers across many industries. That role requires listening to different viewpoints, building consensus, and negotiating solutions that move our community forward. My experience as an ironworker and labor leader has taught me the importance of preparation, accountability, and follow-through. I believe leadership means being accessible, making decisions transparently, and focusing on practical results that earn the public’s trust.
What top three things will you prioritize if elected to this office?
My top priorities are housing affordability, strong infrastructure and public services, and a stronger local economy for working families. Knox County faces a housing shortage that is pushing residents out of their communities, and I will support policies that encourage the development of housing people can actually afford while ensuring growth is planned responsibly. I will also prioritize investments in roads, transportation, and emergency services so infrastructure keeps pace with our growing population. Finally, I will focus on workforce development and vocational training to attract good-paying jobs and help working families build stable lives in Knox County.
What are the main points you want voters to remember about you and your candidacy?
I’m running because Knox County should work for the people who live and work here—not just the well-connected. I was raised by a single mother who worked hard to support our family, and that experience shaped my lifelong commitment to standing up for working families. As an ironworker and labor leader, I’ve fought to connect people with good-paying jobs and real opportunity. As County Mayor, I’ll focus on affordable housing, responsible planning for growth, strong public services, and transparent government. My goal is simple: make Knox County a place where families can afford to stay, workers can succeed, and residents know their government is on their side.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://betsyhenderson.com
Campaign Email
info@betsyhenderson.com
Age
46
Mailing Address
11124 Kingston Pike Suite 119-115
Knoxville, TN 37934
Knoxville, TN 37934
Why are you running for this office?
Knox County is at a crossroads. With a county budget of more than $1.1 billion, we have the resources to provide good roads, strong public safety, and world class schools. We need to continue to have executive leadership that will prioritize wisely, control spending, and protect taxpayers.
I am running for mayor to stop a tax increase, end reckless uncontrolled growth, ensure good roads and world class schools, and deliver real results for the hardworking families. I believe in the simple principle: when government gets out of the way, families and communities thrive.
I would be honored to earn your support, and I invite you to learn more at www.BetsyHenderson.com.
How has your background prepared you to serve in this office?
As chair of the third largest school district in Tennessee, I worked to reduce bureaucracy, invest directly in classrooms, and focus on results. We improved outcomes while demanding accountability. That experience matters.
The results speak for themselves. Knox County Schools has been recognized by the state as an “Advancing” district, 18 schools earned the state’s top designation, and student performance has improved across tested subjects.
Earlier in my career, I worked in Washington, DC for Congressman Jimmy Duncan shortly after September 11. I also grew up in a family of small business owners, which showed me the grit and determination to get things done. Together, these experiences have prepared me to lead and serve Knox County.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The mayor’s most important responsibility is to ensure county government focuses on its core functions and uses taxpayer dollars wisely.
That means maintaining safe communities through strong support for law enforcement, investing in infrastructure like roads, supporting world class schools, and making sure government lives within its means. Knox County has a budget of more than a billion dollars, so the responsibility of the mayor is to prioritize wisely and ensure those resources are used effectively.
The mayor should also be a visible leader who listens to residents and brings people together to solve problems while protecting the values that make our community strong.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
Leadership is not about speeches; it is about making the right decisions when it matters most.
Throughout my time on the School Board, I have demonstrated that I will stand firm in difficult moments and put families first. During the pandemic, I stood with parents to keep schools open and stop mandates. When the Mayor of Knoxville wanted to remove police from our school, I led the fight to keep police in our schools.
I also believe successful leaders must listen. I spend time meeting with people across Knox County because those conversations shape better decisions.
Most importantly, I bring a clear set of conservative principles, fiscal discipline, and a commitment to always put the needs of Knox County families first.
What top three things will you prioritize if elected to this office?
I believe when everything is a priority, nothing is. As mayor of Knox County, my priorities are clear:
1) Government will live within its means, and I will not raise taxes.
2) Protect our community from reckless, unchecked development.
3) Support our neighborhoods with world-class schools, strong public safety and good roads.
You can read my Crossroads plan at https://www.betsyhenderson.com/issues.
As your mayor, my commitment is simple: I will always put the needs of your family first.
What are the main points you want voters to remember about you and your candidacy?
First, I am a proven conservative leader who will not raise taxes. Knox County has a billion-dollar budget, and with responsible leadership we can fund roads, schools, and public safety without asking families to pay more.
Second, I have experience delivering real results. As Chair of the Knox County School Board, I led one of the largest school districts in Tennessee, focusing on accountability, investing in teachers, and improving student outcomes.
Third, I will protect the values and quality of life that make East Tennessee special. That means supporting strong public safety, fixing our roads, and stopping reckless growth.
Knox County is at a crossroads, and I’m providing a clear, conservative path forward that puts families first.