KNOX COUNTY — The Tennessee Republican Party board will meet on June 10 to decide which candidate will appear on the August ballot for Knox County sheriff. The decision follows the May primary where Brent Gibson won the nomination, though third-place candidate Mike Davis contested results after second-place David Amburn and fourth-place Jimmy "J.J." Jones were indicted on felony theft charges.
The indictments were issued eight days after the May 5 election following an investigation into the Knox County Sheriff's Office narcotics unit. Davis stated he questioned the validity of the election results. His attorney, Lance Baker, said, "A substantial number of voters would likely have voted differently had they received the critical information about the investigations and indictments." Baker clarified Davis is not requesting removal of Amburn or Jones from the ballot.
State GOP chairman Scott Golden stated the party lacks the authority to order a new primary election. Under Tennessee law and party bylaws, the state board may certify Gibson as the nominee, select an alternative candidate, or vacate the election entirely. Golden said he has not received confirmation regarding attendance from Amburn, Jones, or their representatives.
Gibson received 19,672 votes (44.14%). Amburn and Jones received a combined 18,567 votes (41.66%). Davis received 6,330 votes (14.20%). Gibson faces no Democratic challenger in the August election.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation collaborated on a review of evidence from a 2019 investigation. Arraignments are scheduled for 11 current and former Sheriff's Office employees. County resources were used for unauthorized purchases over $300,000.
The hearing begins at 5:30 p.m. Central Time on June 10. Davis or his counsel will have six minutes to present their case, followed by Gibson's defense and a three-minute rebuttal. A 15-minute public comment period will allow community members to participate remotely. "This is the only time we have an open meeting. Everyone is allowed to participate." Golden said.