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2024 Candidate Endorsements

East Tennessee Realtors®, a nonpartisan trade association with more than 6,000 members across the region, is proud to endorse candidates for the upcoming Knox County.

The following is a list of candidates endorsed by East Tennessee Realtors®, along with quotes from each candidate:

    • Damon Rawls for Knox County Commission District 1: “I am honored to receive the endorsement of East Tennessee REALTORS®. As a dedicated advocate for our community, I understand the pivotal role that real estate professionals play in creating vibrant neighborhoods and ensuring quality housing for all. Together, we can tackle the challenges of housing affordability and development, making our county a thriving place for families of all backgrounds. When elected I am committed to working closely with East Tennessee REALTORS® to continue fostering growth and opportunity in our county.”
    • Courtney Durrett for Knox County Commission District 2: “I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of East Tennessee REALTORS®. During my time on the County Commission, ensuring that all county residents have access to safe and affordable housing has been one of my top priorities. I am committed to continuing to work alongside East Tennessee REALTORS® and other community stakeholders to address the ongoing housing crisis and make Knox County an even better place to call home.”
    • Shane Jackson for Knox County Commission District 4: “I am honored to have the support and trust of the East Tennessee REALTORS®. I deeply value the work that Realtors do in our communities, not only in helping individuals and families find their dream homes, but also in contributing to the overall growth and development of East Tennessee’s cities and towns. I will be committed to working hand in hand with the association to address the challenges and opportunities facing our community. I recognize the importance of promoting policies that foster a thriving, sustainable housing market with affordability and attainability at top of mind.”
    • Terry Hill for Knox County Commission District 6: “It is my honor to have the endorsement of the East Tennessee REALTORS®. I appreciate their work and awareness in Knox County to identify specific needs unique to our area. Their efforts contribute to the overall impact of our Knox County economy with a significant workforce supporting quality of life for our residents.”
    • Matthew Park for Knox County Commission District 9: “On Knox County Commission one of my core priorities will be expanding our housing options to increase affordable living in Knox County. I look forward to working with Knox County’s dedicated real estate professionals to expand housing options, improve our schools and infrastructure, and protect our beautiful open spaces. I am honored to have the endorsement of the East Tennessee REALTORS®!”
    • Phil Ballard for Knox County Property Assessor: “As a REALTOR® myself, I know and appreciate the value of this endorsement by the East Tennessee REALTORS®, a well-respected organization that has been in existence for over 100 years. As property assessor, I pledge to use my real estate knowledge and experience to ensure accurate and equitable property assessments in Knox County. I am honored and grateful for this endorsement.”
    • David Buuck for Knox County Law Director: “East Tennessee REALTORS® has been a leading voice in the efforts to address the growing housing crisis in Knox County. As law director, I shall continue to represent the best legal interest of Knox County and its citizens as we move forward in these trying times. I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of East Tennessee REALTORS®, and I look forward to working with them to make Knox County a better place for everyone.”

  • The association’s board of directors granted endorsement after considering each of the candidate’s positions on issues important to the real estate industry, including housing affordability, property rights and economic development. For more information on the candidate vetting process, visit etnrealtors.com/candidate-vetting-process.

    “As a trusted leader in the real estate industry, East Tennessee REALTORS® works to advance public policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property rights and promote a vibrant business environment,” said Justin Bailey, East Tennessee REALTORS® 2024 board president. “Our association does not endorse candidates based on party, but instead on issues affecting the REALTOR® Party; we are committed to working with people from across the political spectrum to promote homeownership and foster a real estate market that is fair and accessible to all East Tennesseans. I am extremely proud of the diligent efforts our Public Policy Committee invested in the candidate endorsement process. These committee members take time out of their busy schedules to ensure that they are thorough in evaluating and endorsing candidates. I commend their unwavering resolve and commitment to this critical task."

    The primary election will be held on Aug. 1, 2024, with early voting running from July 12-27. For additional information, visit knoxcounty.org/election.

  • About East Tennessee REALTORS®

    Founded in 1912 and evolving from the Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS®, East Tennessee REALTORS® has been serving the real estate interest of its members and the public for more than 100 years. The association comprises 12 counties in the region: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott and Union. The purpose of East Tennessee REALTORS® is to unite and serve its members and to enhance the ability and opportunity of its members to conduct their business ethically, professionally and successfully and to promote the preservation of the right to own, transfer and use real property. For more information, visit etnrealtors.com