2026 Knox County Primary Election Candidate Profiles

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CANDIDATE - KNOX COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION I

	Hon. Emily F. Abbott Education/Schools Attended University of Tennessee College of Law, J.D. with concentration in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, Aug. 2003-May 2006; Vanderbilt University, College of Arts and Sciences, B.A. in English, Aug. 1999-May 2003 Legal Experience Criminal Court Judge, Sixth Judicial District, Aug. 2025-Present; Assistant District Attorney, Seventh Judicial District, Sept. 2009-August 2025; Assistant District Attorney, Fourth Judicial District, Jan. 2007-Sept. 2009 Legal Affiliations Member of the Knoxville Bar Association Civic Involvement Big Sister through Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Member of Art House (KMA) Past-president of the North Knoxville Rotary Club Sustaining member of the Junior League of Knoxville Past-president of ASAP of Anderson Chapter leader of Knoxville Vanderbilt Alumni Association How many contested cases have you tried as lead counsel or presided over as a judge? Over 40 as a prosecutor, lead or co-counsel as a prosecutor; 8 so far as a judge Describe the nature and frequency (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly) of your work in the court for which you are seeking election. Every day What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? My experience in the criminal justice system in East Tennessee spans nearly two decades. My depth and breadth of experience speaks for itself. Last year, I took part in a rigorous selection process to replace the now Criminal Court of Appeals Judge Steve Sword. That involved an application process, public interviews, and meetings with the Governor and his legal staff. After that process, I was the applicant selected by Governor Bill Lee to fill the Knox County Criminal Court Division I Vacancy. I was honored by his and his legal counsels' trust in me to fill the position, and I have strived every day since to bring honor to the seat I fill. I try to bring not only legal expertise, but also humanity, to the courtroom. I treat every participant of the legal system, from attorneys to court personnel to victims and defendants with respect and dignity. I am thrilled by the reception I have received from the Knoxville Bar. I have no opposition in this election, but I do not take that for granted. I promise to continue to work diligently to serve this community, and I'm looking forward to my tenure on the bench. Candidate Website

CANDIDATES - KNOX COUNTY GENERAL SESSION COURT JUDGE, DIVISION IV

	Ben H. Houston II Education/Schools Attended Volunteer High School, High School Diploma, 1993-1997 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Bachelor of Science in Political Science, 1997-2001 University of Tennessee College of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 2001-2004 Legal Experience Solo Practitioner - 2004 through 2026 Legal Affiliations Knoxville Bar Association (Family Law Section, Employment Law Section, and Solo Practitioner and Small Firm Section) Licensed to practice law in all state courts within the State of Tennessee, as well as in the Federal District Court for the Eastern Division of Tennessee Civic Involvement In years past, I have served in various leadership roles for my son's Cub Scout Pack and Scouting for America Troop, including serving as Den Leader, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, and other leadership roles. I am also active in my church, the United Church of Christ, where I currently serve as the church's Deacon for Service. Over the years, I have represented numerous clients on a pro bono basis, and I have also taken numerous court appointments where I have been compensated at a rate that is significantly below market value. How many contested cases have you tried as lead counsel or presided over as a judge? I don't have an exact number, but I have easily tried well over 100 cases over the years. Most of these cases have been bench trials. I have also tried two jury trials, and I have served as lead counsel in about 30 Tennessee Court of Appeals cases. Describe the nature and frequency (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly) of your work in the court for which you are seeking election. Over the years, I have handled cases in General Sessions Court throughout East Tennessee on a frequent basis. I practice in a General Sessions Court somewhere in East Tennessee on average on a weekly basis. I also frequently practice in various other courts throughout East Tennessee, including Circuit Courts, Chancery Courts, the Tennessee Court of Appeals, and the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. I have also had one case heard by the Tennessee Supreme Court, where the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled in my client's favor on a Rule 10 Application for an Extraordinary Appeal. What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? I have practiced law for 21 years in Knox County and all of its surrounding counties. As part of my practice, I have represented those going through divorce, victims of employment discrimination, victims of domestic violence, those charged with criminal offenses, both tenants and landlords in landlord/tenant disputes, consumers who have been the victim of unfair and deceptive trade practices, tort victims, and small business owners. This wide range of legal experience will enable me to fairly and impartially decide the various types of cases that will come before me as a General Sessions Court Judge. This experience has also given me a deep understanding of how court decisions affect real families and our community. Candidate Website

	Hon. Andrea A. Kline Education/Schools Attended Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Tennessee College of Law, Knoxville, TN (1995) Honors and Activities: Dean’s List, Moot Court Board, Student Bar Association, Law Women, Law Student Advisor, Advocate’s Prize Competition, Legal Clinic; B.A. Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (1991) Honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key National Honor Society, Outstanding College Students of America Legal Experience Law Office of Tony Farmer - Staff Attorney/Intern 1994-1996; Law Office of Andrea A. Kline - Attorney/Solo Practitioner 1996-2000; The Knox County District Attorney's Office - Assistant District Attorney 2000- 2025 (Supervisor Elder Abuse Unit 2014-2021); Knox County General Sessions Court Judge, Div. IV, - 01/2026-Present Legal Affiliations Member, Knoxville Bar Association, 2000-present; Member, Tennessee District Attorney General Conference, 2000-2025; Tennessee General Sessions Judges Conference, 2026; Committee Member, Helen Ross McNabb Women’s Advocacy Program, 2011-2013; Committee Member, Helen Ross McNabb Early Diversion Program, 2014; Committee Member, SAMSA-Sequential Intercept Mapping, 2015; Member, Tennessee District Attorney General Conference, Elder Abuse Committee, 2015-2021; Member, Tennessee Vulnerable Adult Coalition, 2015-2021; Member, East Tennessee Elder Justice Coalition, 2015-2021 Civic Involvement Board Member, YWCA, 2003; Board Member, Knoxville Montessori School, 2005-2006; Member, Junior League Knoxville, 1997-Present, (Executive Board, 2006-2007); Board Member, Court Appointed Special Advocate, 2012-2017, (Executive Board, 2013-2017); Committee Member, CAC Power of the Purse, 2025; Supporter: Knoxville Museum of Art; Knoxville Botanical Garden; UT Trial Gardens; Clarence Brown Theater; Knox Heritage; Member, St. John’s Episcopal Church How many contested cases have you tried as lead counsel or presided over as a judge? Thousands Describe the nature and frequency (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly) of your work in the court for which you are seeking election. But for about a two-year stint when I was assigned exclusively to Division I Criminal Court as an Assistant District Attorney General, I have practiced in the Knox County General Sessions Courts almost every day for 30 years, initially as a defense attorney in private practice, then as a prosecutor and now as a Sessions Court Judge. I began my tenure in the General Sessions Courts in 1996 when I was in private practice. I practiced criminal defense and performed some civil work as well. Then beginning in March 2000, District Attorney General Randall Nichols appointed me to be an Assistant District Attorney General. I worked exclusively in all the General Sessions Courts from 2000-2012 until I was assigned to Criminal Court Division 1. Then when I established the Elder Abuse Special Prosecution Unit in 2014 at the direction of District Attorney General Charme Allen, I prosecuted cases in the General Sessions Courts and Criminal Courts daily. In 2021, I returned to prosecuting exclusively in DUI (2d) Sessions Court where I continued until I was appointed to serve a Sessions Court Judge in December 2025. What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? I care about people and their lives. I am a dedicated public servant who has been serving this community both professionally and personally for decades. I work hard, show up prepared and have gained the trust of the individuals who work with me. Every day I commit to be patient, fair and respectful to everyone who comes before the bench. I am also committed to making prompt, consistent and fair decisions without regard to personal opinion, public pressure, and politics. I believe in personal accountability and upholding the rule of law, but I also understand that every defendant, victim, or witness has a unique story that they bring with them to court. It is especially important to me that individuals in court have an opportunity to be heard and to ask questions, so they understand what is happening with their case. Having spent decades in the courtroom, I have acquired the skills and institutional knowledge to manage the challenges of large and fast-paced dockets fairly and efficiently. I fully understand the operations of the General Sessions Courts, and I respect the individuals who appear in those courts, including the dedicated staff and attorneys who practice there. Candidate Website Candidate Flyer

	Rhonda F. Lee Education/Schools Attended Nashville School of Law - Doctorate of Jurisprudence, 2012 University of Tennessee - Bachelor of Science, 2008 Pellissippi State Community College - Associate of Paralegal Studies, 2004 Legal Experience Solo Practicing Trial Attorney, 2013 - Present Extensive jury trial experience. Pellissippi State Adjunct Faculty - Criminal Law and Real Property, 2014 - 2017 Legal Affiliations Eastern District of Tennessee Court Tennessee Bar Association Knoxville Bar Association Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Civic Involvement Knox County Commissioner - 2022 - 2026 Elected Official Served or serving on many committees ( Legislative Affairs, Rules, Finance, Personnel, Metro Drug Coalition, Railroad Committee, Insolvency Board, Telecom, Juvenile Detention Board appointed by Judge Tim Irwin) Tennessee Association of County Commissioners - Veterans Affairs Committee, Legislative Affairs Committee National Association of County Commissioners - Veterans Affairs, Legislative Affairs, Membership Southern Police Benevolent Association Halls Business and Professional Association Powell Business and Professional Association Halls Women's League Powell Republican Club Halls Republican Club Volunteer Women's Republican Club Republican Women's Republican Club West Knox Republican Club Knox County Conservative Republican Club Knox for Liberty Turning Point USA Federated Republican Women's Club Veterans Breakfast - Powell Senior Center First Apostolic Church South Knox Conservative Club How many contested cases have you tried as lead counsel or presided over as a judge? I have personally as solo/lead counsel over 25 jury trials. Describe the nature and frequency (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly) of your work in the court for which you are seeking election. My experience in the General Sessions court is on a daily basis in Misdemeanor, DUI, Bond and Arraignment, and Felony Sessions. I am also in all Criminal Courts. I maintain around 60-65 cases on my own personal docket. It is common I have 12-15 cases a day on my docket in my daily practice. I have handled all types of cases except death penalty. My experience in jury trials I have had many trials and has included First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Rape, Child Rape, Drug Cases, White Collar Crime, Burglary, Theft, Felony with Possession of Gun, DUI, Aggravated Assault, Child Abuse and Kidnapping. My experience also includes Orders of Protection, Wills and Family Law. I do preliminary hearings, bond hearings, Motion to Suppress hearings frequently along with any other pre-trial motions. What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? My experience as a Knox County Commissioner has enabled me to engage fully in my community and determining what are the values and needs of the community. When I started my law practice I had to just jump in and quickly took on as many cases as I could get to learn how to practice law. Taking court appointed cases which enabled me a great variety of experience. I began to immerse myself in courses, criminal trial college training, evidence courses and anything that would help me be a better lawyer. I interact very well with my clients, family members, court staff and opposing counsel. I feel it is important to treat everyone with respect. I am very involved in my community and try to make a difference in peoples lives. I also do over 100 pro bono hours per year. My life experience as a community leader and well rounded ability to work with and many enables me to have the skills to interact and get along with all people. I am a person who always shows up early and stays until the work is done. Candidate Website

CANDIDATE - KNOX COUNTY CIRCUIT, CIVIL SESSIONS AND JUVENILE COURT CLERK

	Charles (Charlie) D. Susano III Education/Schools Attended University of Tennessee, BA in Anthropology- Archaeological Concentration, 1999-2003 Relevant Experience Knox County Circuit Court Clerk, 2018 to present Professional Affiliations JCAB (Juvenile Court Assistance Board) Civic Involvement Knoxville Elks Member in good standing Charity Auctioneer Professional Awards or Recognitions None What work experience do you have that qualifies you for the position of Clerk? Leadership positions while employed with the University of Tennessee Archaeological Research Laboratory Seven plus years serving as Knox County Circuit Court Clerk What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? My personal commitment to treating others with respect and dignity, as well as a professional commitment to providing efficient, effective, and friendly service to members of our esteemed legal community, as well as our Knox County citizens and people far and wide who utilize our court system. My oath to uphold the law and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee and the Constitution of the United States.

CANDIDATE - KNOX COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT CLERK

	Mike L. Hammond Education/Schools Attended University of Tennessee - 1970-75, BS Communications Relevant Experience I have been the clerk of Criminal Court, Criminal Sessions Court, and 4th Circuit Court since 2014 Professional Affiliations Past State President and current East Tennessee President of the State Court Clerk Association Civic Involvement Board member of Alzheimer's Tennessee Past President of Family Justice Center Board Past board member of United Way, Bijou Theatre, and Tennessee Theatre Professional Awards or Recognitions Inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame, 2019 Named Outstanding Clerk of the Year, 2022 Named Outstanding Elected Official by the Knox County Council PTA, 2008-2009 Received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tennessee PTA, 2007 What experience do you have that qualifies you for the position of Clerk? My time as Clerk for the past 11 years. What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? Leadership, business, and management skills Candidate Website