Knoxville TN, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville is facing a divisive City Council election with early voting ongoing. Candidate Matthew DeBardelaben has come under fire from a negative flyer branding him a ‘drifter’ and ‘extremist’ due to his past bankruptcy and time spent abroad. His opponent Jeff Talman has distanced himself from the flyer, even as the Knox County Republican Party supports his campaign. Analysts warn that negative campaigning may obscure important city issues as various council seats are contested, and early voting turnout is notably low.
Knoxville is currently witnessing a contentious City Council election as early voting is underway, continuing until October 30. A negative flyer targeting candidate Matthew DeBardelaben has surfaced, branding him as a “drifter” and “extremist” while also mentioning his past bankruptcy filed in 2021 following a failed startup.
DeBardelaben’s bankruptcy is not the only controversial detail highlighted in the campaign. He has spent time in China where he opened an art gallery, and is also recognized for his support of a proposed half-cent sales tax increase. The flyer attacking him was funded by a group called Citizens of Knoxville for a Responsible Government, organized by the Knox County Republican Party.
During this time, DeBardelaben’s opponent, Jeff Talman, has publicly stated that he neither commissioned nor paid for the flyer, and expressed his view of DeBardelaben as a good man. However, it is worth noting that the Knox County Republican Party has contributed $5,000 to Talman’s campaign.
Political analysts have highlighted that Political Action Committees (PACs) like the one behind the negative flyer often get involved in local races, potentially overshadowing more pressing issues that require public attention. Although the council seats are classified as nonpartisan, DeBardelaben is backed by Democratic endorsements, while Talman receives support from Republicans.
Both candidates are worried that negative campaigning could divert voters from significant issues that affect Knoxville. DeBardelaben has stressed the importance of responsible management of growth as well as addressing social issues such as homelessness. Conversely, Talman has focused on fiscal responsibility and the necessity for discussing trade-offs in the city’s budget.
In this election cycle, five out of nine city council seats are up for election, along with a referendum concerning the proposed increase in the sales tax. Current early voting metrics indicate a noticeable decrease in turnout, with only 6% of eligible voters participating so far, down from previous years.
The council elections aim to find successors for term-limited appointees in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Candidates advancing to the general election include Karyn Adams and Becky Jones (District 1), Nathan Honeycutt and Melody Watts (District 2), Doug Lloyd and Frank Ramey (District 3), Matthew DeBardelaben and Jeff Talman (District 4), and Denzel Grant and Stan Johnson (District 6). The winners of this election will serve four-year terms under the administration of Mayor Indya Kincannon, who is now in her second and final term. Absentee ballot requests are open until October 25, and Election Day is scheduled for November 4.
Summary of Key Points
- Early voting for the Knoxville City Council election is ongoing.
- A flyer targeting candidate Matthew DeBardelaben has been distributed.
- The flyer was funded by Citizens of Knoxville for a Responsible Government.
- Both candidates express concerns over negative campaigning distracting from important issues.
- Early voting turnout is significantly lower than in previous years.
FAQ
What is the current status of early voting in Knoxville?
Early voting for the Knoxville City Council election is currently taking place and will continue until October 30.
What does the flyer targeting Matthew DeBardelaben say?
The flyer attacks DeBardelaben with words like “drifter” and “extremist” and references his past bankruptcy.
Who funded the negative flyer against DeBardelaben?
The flyer was funded by Citizens of Knoxville for a Responsible Government, a group formed by the Knox County Republican Party.
When is Election Day for the Knoxville City Council election?
Election Day is set for November 4.
Key Features of the Election
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Voting Period | Ongoing until October 30 |
| Negative Campaigning | Flyer targeting Matthew DeBardelaben highlighting bankruptcy |
| Funding Source of Flyer | Citizens of Knoxville for a Responsible Government |
| Current Turnout Rate | 6% of eligible voters |
| Election Day | November 4 |
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Additional Resources
- Knoxville City Council Approves Completion of Larson Street Pump Station Project
- Negative Flyer in Knoxville City Council Race
- Knoxville Election Voter’s Guide 2025
- Knoxville City Council 2025 Results
- Knoxville City Council Withdraws Vote on Chilhowee Park Land Sale
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Google Search: Knoxville City Council
- Google Scholar: Knoxville City Council Elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
- Google News: Knoxville City Council 2025
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
