CHAMBER HOSTED: 2026 Speaker Series: Knox County Mayoral Candidate Luncheon

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The chamber's Speaker Series events provide an opportunity for businesses and the public to hear from speakers on specific topics or issues that are of importance to them, their business, and our community. Members receive discounted pricing as a benefit of membership. Attendees from the community are always welcome. 

2026 Knox County Mayoral Candidate Luncheon
 
The next Knox County mayor will serve over half a million residents and oversee a budget of $1.1 billion or more (based on the 2025-26 budget).

Join us for a luncheon with the candidates and emcee/facilitator, Bill Lyons, as they answer our questions and yours.
 
Lyons is vastly experience in the fields of Tennessee state and local government, American politics, voting behaviors and elections, including 16 years as the chief policy officer for the City of Knoxville before returning to the University of Tennessee. He is currently a professor emeritus of political science in the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs.

Early voting in Knox County for the primary county mayor election begins April 15 through April 30. Election Day is on May 5. 

Confirmed candidate participants to date are:

• Betsy Henderson – Knox County Board of Education Chair, District 6
• Kim Frazier – Knox County Commission, At Large, Seat 11 (Vice Chair 2025-26)
• Larsen Jay – Knox County Commission, At Large, Seat 10
• Beau Hawk – President, Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council

Sponsorships/Tickets/Tables are available in limited quantities.

Got a question for the candidates? Send it to us here! (Please note while we will make every effort to incorporate as many questions/topics as possible, we are limited by time allotted for the event)