Endorsements Flood In for Betsy Henderson for Knox County Mayor
Apr 17, 2026, 2:33 pm

KNOXVILLE - Betsy Henderson’s campaign for Knox County Mayor today has received a sweeping coalition of endorsements from state legislators, local officials, and education leaders, underscoring her momentum as the clear conservative choice in the race.

Those endorsing Henderson include Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, State Representative Michele Carringer, and former Acting Speaker Bill Dunn, along with former State Representative Jimmy Matlock, Knox County Commissioners Angela Russell and Andy Fox, former Knox County Board of Education Chairs Doug Harris, Susan Horn, and Patti Bounds, and Knox County School Board Member Steve Triplett.

Together, these leaders represent a unified voice for conservative leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to putting Knox County families first.

“Dean and I have been friends with Betsy Henderson for years. She’s an incredible mom and a strong conservative leader who will put taxpayers first, focus on the basics, and do what’s right for Knox County families. I’m proud to endorse Betsy Henderson for Mayor,” former State Representative Jimmy Matlock.

“Betsy is a courageous conservative fighter who understands that government must live within its means and stay focused on its core responsibilities,” said former acting Speaker Rep. Bill Dunn. “She has the strength to make tough decisions, the ability to bring people together, and the determination to follow through. I am proud to support Betsy Henderson for mayor.”

“I am honored to have the support of so many respected conservative leaders who have served our community,” said Henderson. “This campaign is about focusing on core services like roads, schools, and public safety, and making sure Knox County continues to be a place where families can thrive with NO TAXES INCREASE. Together, we are building a coalition that is ready to lead.”

And we all know who Congressman Burchett is voting for, “I’m voting for the candidate who is committed to not raising our dadgum taxes.” While her opponents Larsen Jay and Kim Frazier claimed the county was “underfunded” and we have a “revenue problem” to justify the largest tax increase in county history, Henderson has been crystal clear: NO TAX INCREASES.

Betsy Henderson signed the no tax increase pledge and has campaigned from day one of the mayoral campaign on not raising taxes.