By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Early voting started Friday for a long ballot that includes four Knox County Commission seats that will be turned over to new faces.
The current commission chair from District 3, Gina Oster, lost to Sheri Super in the Republican Party primary and Super faces Brandon Huckaby, the Democratic challenger.
The District 7 commission Republican primary race saw incumbent Rhonda Lee not running, choosing instead to run for judge. The District 7 seat is contested by Barry Beeler, a Republican, and Democrat William Cooper.
At-large Seat 10’s Larsen Jay’s seat is being sought by Republican Justin Cofer, Democrat Katina Sharp and Independent Ronin Cunningham.
At-large Seat 11’s Kim Frazier’s seat is being sought by fellow Republican Garrett Holt, Democrat Vivian Underwood Shipe and Independent David Velarde.
County-wide races also include the office of trustee, with Republican Nick McBride facing Stephen Hood, a Democrat. Republican Andrea Kline faces Democrat Ben H. Houston II for the office of general sessions judge for Division IV.
Unopposed candidates on the ballot are Republicans and include Emily F. Abbott for criminal court judge; Charlie Susano for circuit, civil and juvenile court clerk; Mike Hammond for criminal court clerk; Richie Beeler for county clerk; and Sherry Witt for register of deeds.
