Two incumbents were beaten for reelection to the Knox County Board of Education on May 5, 2026, according to unofficial returns from the Knox County Election Commission. And with Betsy Henderson’s win in the Republican primary for county mayor, at least three incumbents will leave the nine-member board.

Not sure how long this link will be up, but it’s my favorite for election results.

John Butler

District 1 – Incumbent Dr. John Butler, 66, a clergyman, lost the Democratic primary to newcomer Breyauna Holloway, 41, who will face Republican Charles Frazier, 71, in August. Holloway is a business owner who has five children either in or graduated from District 1 schools.

Butler served only one term, but put in the time even before his election to build relationships with board members and school staff to reach a goal – construction of a new K-8 (kindergarten through middle school) school on the site of the old Rule High School. Kids on the west side of District 1 are now zoned to Bearden Middle, on Francis Road near West Hills — too far to walk. And the elementary schools are functionally obsolete. The new school will result in closure of Beaumont Magnet Academy and Maynard Elementary. Also, West View Elementary will be converted into a standalone preschool.

The new school, now in design phase, will accommodate 1,000 K-5 kids and 600 6-8-graders. It’s been needed for a long, long time. Butler got it. Frazier or Holloway will cut the ribbon.

District 4 – Incumbent Katherine Bike was unopposed in the Democratic primary and will face GOP nominee Ashley Sartelle in August.

District 6 – Lee Ann Eaves, a conservative activist, won the seat currently held by Betsy Henderson. She will face Democratic nominee Cadence Collins in August.

District 7 – Incumbent Steve Triplett was unopposed in the GOP primary; he will face Democratic nominee Amy Fenner in August.

District 9 – Board chair Kristi Kristy lost by 65 votes to newcomer Bill Sofield (1,961 to 2.026 in the Republican primary). Sofield will face Democrat Brandy Jenkins in August.

A key issue in August will be support or opposition to school vouchers – public funds to private schools. We will flesh out this issue, along with other aims of these candidates before the general election.

Y’all come back tomorrow for my take on the other races in Let’s Talk Leaders.

Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook and Instagram. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our Free Newsletter.