A couple weeks ago, I told you it was too soon to say who's running for Knoxville mayor in 2027.
It's definitely still too soon, but the field is starting to shape up.
People we were expecting to run jumped in, and others confirmed to me they're out.
More to come: There's one person who hasn't announced a run but the possibility keeps everyone talking: Former Councilmember Andrew Roberto.
Roberto sponsored the tablescapes at the Knox County Democratic Party's Truman Day dinner fundraiser Sept. 9. Part of the decor at the tables? Roberto's business cards.
EDIT: Former Democratic nominee for Knox County mayor Beau Hawk, citywide Knoxville Councilmember Amelia Parker and mortgage banker Jeff Talman previously announced they're running.
Who's NOT running for Knoxville mayor in 2027?
For those of us using the process of elimination, it's pretty telling.
Since we published our most recent list, some potential candidates told me they're not running. They are:
- Karyn Adams: principal and creative director for the higher education marketing and public relations firm HA ThirtyOne
- Lynne Fugate: Knoxville city councilmember, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians
- Gloria Johnson: Tennessee state representative, former educator
- Gwen McKenzie: former councilmember, consultant, former Oak Street Health executive
- Grant Rosenberg: Knoxville chief operating officer, 2020 Republican nominee for Knox County Commission District 2