Anderson Co, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Voters in Oak Ridge’s Anderson County Commission District 8 will head back to the polls this fall after one of the candidates elected in August declined to assume office.
The Anderson County Election Commission has scheduled a special election for Nov. 3, 2026, to fill the vacant District 8 commission seat after Democrat Elizabeth “Liz” Henry chose not to take the oath of office following the Aug. 6 general election.
Henry and Republican Jawrell Cook each received 749 votes in the election, earning the two available District 8 seats on the Anderson County Commission. However, Henry was not sworn in when newly elected commissioners took office Sept. 1.
Henry Cites Family and Personal Considerations
In a statement released through the Anderson County Democratic Party, Henry said changing personal and family circumstances led to her decision to decline the position.
“The easiest thing for me to do now would be to take the oath and hope everything works itself out,” Henry said. “I don’t think that would be fair to the people who elected me. District 8 deserves someone who knows they can make the commitment the job requires, and right now I cannot honestly make that promise.”
Her decision created a vacancy that will now be filled through a special election process.
Independent Candidates Can Qualify
The Anderson County Election Commission announced that independent candidates interested in running for the seat may file during a special qualifying period running from Sept. 1 through Sept. 9 at noon.
To qualify, independent candidates must complete all state requirements, including obtaining signatures from at least 25 registered voters who reside within Anderson County Commission District 8.
Candidates who choose to run will have until noon on Sept. 12 to withdraw from the race.
The winner of the Nov. 3 election will serve a full four-year term on the commission.
Democrats Schedule Open Caucus
The Anderson County Democratic Party has announced plans to select its nominee through a special nominating convention and open caucus.
The caucus is scheduled for Sept. 4 at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church Social Hall, located at 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
Credentialing will begin at 5 p.m., with the caucus scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
Party officials said members of the public may observe the caucus, but voting will be limited to registered Democratic voters who live within Commission District 8.
“The Executive Committee’s responsibility is to establish a fair process and administer it, not to choose the nominee,” said Anderson County Democratic Party Chair Chase Lindsey. “District 8 Democrats will make that choice.”
Republicans to Hold Sept. 8 Caucus
The Anderson County Republican Party has also announced a nominating caucus and convention to select its candidate.
The GOP event is scheduled for Sept. 8 at Oak Ridge Division II General Sessions Court, located at 728 Emory Valley Road.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and voting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
Participation will be limited to qualified Republican voters who live within District 8.
Party officials are encouraging anyone interested in seeking the Republican nomination to contact the local party before the caucus to review eligibility requirements.
Seat Carries Importance for Oak Ridge Representation
The upcoming special election will determine who joins the Anderson County Commission representing District 8 alongside Commissioner-elect Jawrell Cook.
With candidate qualification deadlines approaching and party caucuses scheduled within days, residents of the district will soon learn who will appear on the November ballot.
Election officials encourage voters and prospective candidates to contact the Anderson County Election Commission for additional information regarding registration, qualification requirements and election procedures ahead of the Nov. 3 special election.
