Phil Ballard, former property assessor, has entered the race to become Knox County register of deeds. He filed papers today naming Chuck Ward as his campaign treasurer. He said he’s received considerable encouragement since picking up the treasurer’s form in August.
Nick McBride, currently chief deputy in the office, is also a candidate in the May 2018 Republican Primary. The current register, Sherry Witt, is term-limited and is seeking election as Knox County clerk in the same primary.
State and local Republican Party officials are threatening a loyalty test to allow candidates on the GOP ballot. State Republican chair Scott Golden will visit Knoxville in October to discuss the new rules.