Strong community support on display at Amburn Meet & Greet
A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered at Calhoun’s on Bearden Hill last week to meet Knox County Sheriff candidate David Amburn.
Supporters filled the venue to hear directly from Amburn, who currently serves as Chief of Detectives with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Attendees had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the candidate, ask questions, and learn more about his vision for the future of the department.
The strong turnout reflects what many are calling a rapidly expanding grassroots effort. Since announcing his candidacy on January 5, 2026, Amburn has assembled a volunteer team that now stands at approximately 75 members. The campaign’s structure and enthusiasm have drawn comparisons to the successful 2018 effort led by term-limited Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, who won his election in a decisive landslide.
In 2021, Spangler promoted Amburn to Chief of Detectives, a move that underscores the professional trust and working relationship between the two. It is perhaps no surprise, then, that the campaigns mirror one another in both organization and energy, with several of Spangler’s key team members once again on the campaign trail—this time working to help propel Amburn to victory.
Like that earlier effort, Amburn’s campaign is rooted in direct voter engagement. While he continues to host meet and greets across Knox County, a dedicated group of volunteers is simultaneously canvassing neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and connecting with residents throughout the community.
The Knox County Sheriff’s race features a four-person ballot, alongside a number of other local contests that have drawn a full slate of candidates. Early voting is set to begin April 15 and will run through April 30, with Election Day scheduled for May 5.
With a growing volunteer base, experienced campaign leadership, and strong public turnout at events like this one, Amburn’s campaign appears to be gaining significant traction as voters prepare to head to the polls.
