Larsen Jay hosts West Knoxville meet-and-greet
By Ken Lay
Vintage cars lined a section of the parking lot while the sounds of Shed House Trio, a local bluegrass band, could be heard and the smells of barbecue pierced the air late Thursday afternoon.
Supporters were beginning to arrive about the same time as a pop-up shower. The rain came but that didn’t do anything to dampen the spirits as Larsen Jay helped a few children into a vintage pickup truck emblazoned with campaign signs.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Jay, a Republican candidate for Knox County Mayor who was hosting a meet-and-greet at Marble Hall at Lakeshore Park in West Knoxville. “This a chance to come out and be with the people and hear what they have to say, have a little barbecue and listen to a little music.”
Jay worked the room tirelessly as he shook hands with supporters, greeted their kids and even took time to pet a dog.
For him, this wasn’t a night to speak to the crowd about politics, although he addressed issues as he spoke to supporters individually and in small groups.
Jay addressed the crowd, which included Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler and other county leaders. But in his brief remarks, Jay was there simply to express his gratitude to campaign workers and other supporters.
“I appreciate all of you for being here and I want to thank all of you for your support,” Jay said. “Our campaign is off to a fast start and we’re working hard and we’re going to continue working hard from now until Election Day.”
Jay is seeking to replace Glenn Jacobs, who is term-limited and the at-large Knox County Commissioner will run against Knox County Board of Education Chair Betsy Henderson in the primary on May 5, 2026.
“We have a long road ahead,” Jay said.
Tennessee House of Representatives Speaker Cameron Sexton made an appearance to show his support for Jay, who currently occupies Seat 10 on the Knox County Commission.
“To me, it’s an honor to serve you. I never thought I would serve and I never thought that I would have the opportunity to serve as the speaker of the General Assembly,” Sexton said. “I’m the speaker of the House in Tennessee, but I’m not the speaker in my house. I have a wife and kids.
“But I know talent when I see it and the talent (Jay) is standing right there. A lot of people think they can make the tough decisions, and when they get there, they can’t. But Larsen will make the tough decisions and do what’s best for the people of Knox County.”
Jay said he was pleased to have Sexton on hand.
“It’s great to have the speaker of the House here and his approach, his common sense conservatism,” Jay said.
