Primary elections for the city council are set for August 26, with the general voting scheduled for November 4. Anyone interested in contesting must declare their candidacy by May 15.
This year’s voting structure will take a new direction. Instead of citywide input, only residents within each candidate’s district will vote for their council member.
According to what local experts shared with Knox News, this change, approved by voters in 2024, might encourage candidates to concentrate more on the specific needs of their neighborhoods.
Only voters in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 will take part in choosing their representatives this time. District 5 follows a different schedule, as it aligns with the mayoral, municipal judge, and at-large seat elections. That district will have a special two-year council term up for grabs in 2027, helping to sync all six districts for a collective election year in 2029.
Two more contenders have now officially joined the race: Nathan Honeycutt for District 2 and Frank Ramey for District 3.
Every current council member whose seat is being contested cannot run again because of term limits. So, all five district races are open with no incumbents, which means new candidates will continue to emerge as the deadline draws closer.
Nathan Honeycutt Wants to Represent West Knoxville
Nathan Honeycutt is aiming to represent District 2, which covers parts of West Knoxville such as Sequoyah Hills, Bearden, and West Hills.
At age 45, Honeycutt works as an architect and serves as a principal at McCarty Holsaple McCarty, an architecture firm located in the Sanitary Laundry Building in Knoxville.
He explained in a press statement that being a father, architect, and business owner gives him a practical understanding of what it takes to support strong communities.
He noted his long-standing commitment to helping both families and businesses grow their visions, while adding that Knoxville has been extremely good to him and his loved ones.
According to his campaign statement, his goals include encouraging responsible urban development, improving parks and natural areas, upgrading outdated infrastructure, and making the city more affordable for residents.
Frank Ramey Enters the Contest for District 3
Frank Ramey is throwing his hat in the ring to serve District 3, which includes northwest Knoxville neighborhoods like Norwood, West Haven, and Cumberland Estates.
At 37, Ramey is the President of BulkMunitions.com, a company that sells ammunition online.
On his campaign website, he mentioned his reason for running is to help make Knoxville a place where children can grow, feel safe, and want to remain as adults. He emphasized the importance of affordability, public safety, and job opportunities that give younger residents a reason to stay after school or college.
Some of the issues Ramey plans to tackle include pushing for property tax relief programs, improving safety conditions on Western Avenue, introducing a policy requiring developers to meet with residents before launching large construction projects, and finding funds to improve public trash can services.
Early Announcements from Candidates in Districts 1 and 4
Earlier in 2024, two other individuals stepped forward with intentions to contest seats on the city council.
Karyn Adams is pursuing the position in District 1, which represents the South Knoxville area and the Fort Sanders community.
Adams, 52, leads H·A ThirtyOne as its principal and creative director. The company offers marketing and communication strategies specifically designed for colleges and universities across the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast.
Matthew DeBardelaben is seeking the council seat for District 4, which includes neighborhoods such as Alice Bell and Fountain City.
Also, 52, DeBardelaben works with Avison Young as an estate broker for commercial properties. He is actively involved with the American Institute of Architects and currently serves on the Knoxville Downtown Alliance board, in addition to being part of the city’s design review board under the planning commission.
