Knox County GOP again weighs in with endorsements on nonpartisan Knoxville elections

The Knox County Republican Party is once again making endorsements in a nonpartisan Knoxville election, supporting city council candidates Tim Hill and Lynne Fugate, and Municipal Judge John Rosson.

GOP Chairman Buddy Burkhardt told Knox News that Hill and Rosson are "vetted Republicans" and Fugate has said she is a member of the party.

Fugate, an incumbent, is running for City Council At-Large Seat A and is unopposed since the death of her opponent, Cameron Brooks, in August. Hill is facing running against incumbent Amelia Parker for City Council At-Large Seat C.

Longtime judge Rosson, who has served for 36 years, faces a challenge from newcomer Tyler Caviness.

"We are supporting, in every way whether it's financially, phone calls and sign help, the three Republican candidates in the race," Burkhardt said.

The county GOP is staying out of the race for At-Large Seat B because candidates Debbie Helsley and R. Bentley Marlow are both Democrats, Burkhardt said. Helsley ran as a Democrat for Knox County mayor in 2022 and Marlow has registered as a Democrat on his political treasurer appointment form.

Knox County GOP leaders also got involved in the 2021 City Council race, with then-Chairman Daniel Herrera promised a clean sweep from Republican candidates.

That year, none of the GOP-backed candidates won their general election.

The Knox County Democratic Party, on the other hand, is staying out of the election, Chairman Matt Shears told Knox News.

"The Knox County Democratic Party's resources and energy remain fully focused on the 2024 elections, not 2023," he said. "City elections are nonpartisan by design and city voters, time and time again, have reiterated their desire for them to remain so."

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County GOP weighs in with endorsements on Knoxville elections