KNOX COUNTY, TENN. — Three Republican candidates for Knox County mayor — Kim Frazier, Betsy Henderson and Larsen Jay — outlined their positions on taxes, spending and infrastructure ahead of the upcoming primary election. Democrat Bo Hawk will advance to the general election ballot.

Henderson, a member of the Knox County school board, said her focus would be on cutting spending and maintaining low taxes for families. Jay, a Knox County commissioner, said the county does not need to raise its tax rate but warned that continued lowering could prevent the county from paying its bills. Frazier, also a Knox County commissioner, said she would take questions to the people and let taxpayers determine the path forward.

Jay said long-term financial planning and economic growth will be critical as the county expands. All three candidates identified growth as a central challenge, particularly its impact on roads, housing and infrastructure.

Roads emerged as a recurring theme. "That's my number one priority — fix the roads," Jay said. Frazier pointed to the scope of the work ahead. "We're looking at $1.6 billion of identified road projects," she said.

Henderson framed the discussion around setting limits on what the county can tackle at once. "If everything is a priority, nothing is a priority," Henderson said.

The candidates said affordability is a growing concern and proposed solutions ranging from increasing housing supply to focusing on wages and job growth. Henderson, Frazier and Jay each addressed the issue as the county continues to grow.

Hawk, a Democrat, will advance to the general election. He is expected to focus on cost-of-living issues and support for working families.