The political landscape in Knox County is heating up as Mike Hammond, the county's Criminal Court Clerk, has officially signaled his intentions to enter the mayoral race come 2026. This revelation sets the stage for a Republican primary between Hammond and At-Large Commissioner Larsen Jay, who are both vying to succeed term-limited Mayor Glenn Jacobs.

Hammond’s move, confirmed by election officials on April 16 when he filed a treasurer appointment form, is a calculated step towards solidifying his bid for the mayor's office. Despite this preparation, he must still gather and return a nomination petition with enough signatures from his supporters. Hammond communicated his commitment to Knox County in a text to Knox News, saying, "It has been an honor to serve Knox County as a commissioner and criminal court clerk. I look forward to continuing my service as mayor."

Having served as Knox County Criminal Court Clerk since 2014, and prior as a county commissioner, Hammond has built a reputation in local politics. He has also acquired a wealth of experience in the private sector, having managed the radio broadcasting industry for 35 years. In his professional tenure, he notably assisted WIVK in earning various prestigious awards, including an Edward R. Murrow Award. This information was shared by his campaign and reported by WATE.

While no Democrats have thrown their hats into the ring yet, the primary for the Knox County mayoral race is still a ways away, not occurring until spring 2026, with the general election slated for August. As part of his campaign, Hammond has outlined plans to engage with the public directly through "open Mike nights" across the county, promising a focus on citizen input. This approach, intended to sculpt his vision for Knox County, was revealed in a statement obtained by AOL.

Jay, Hammond's potential competitor, has served on the Knox County Commission since 2018. When asked about his thoughts on the upcoming race, Jay told Knox News, that he appreciates anyone willing to run for public office, and expressed his commitment to developing a vision for the community's future as he continues his work as an at-large commissioner.