Tyler Caviness injected energy into a low-profile judge race. Here's why it paid off. | Ashe

How did Tyler Caviness defeat 37-year municipal judge John Rosson – who was well known to many – when seven months ago Caviness was invisible to most voters?

The young attorney won by a large margin: 61% to 39% of the vote. Rosson’s percentage was almost identical to what he earned in the four-person primary election.

Several factors came into play.

Rosson, while making himself visible, had campaigned only once against a real opponent. He simply was not prepared for a vigorous contest. He did not realize that many would think 37 years was enough time to hold one office and four more years would be too much? He even said there was nothing he would change about how he oversaw the municipal court.

Rosson’s attack mail pieces energized Caviness supporters. Democrats flocked to Caviness, which in a Democratic city was significant. The Knox County Republican Party endorsement of Rosson did not help him.

The county Democratic Party, while not on the record for Caviness, was clearly sympathetic, even rejecting Rosson’s $1,000 donation to their Truman Day dinner.

Rosson's endorsements from Andrew Beamer and Mary Ward – the two candidates eliminated in the primary – had no impact.

Caviness presented an articulate image of intelligence, knowledge and energy. He dedicated much of his time to door-to-door efforts across the city.

Rosson’s image of invincibility disappeared when he failed to clear 40% in the primary. It was clear that this was a highly competitive contest between a 32-year-old challenger and a 76-year-old incumbent who refused to say if this would be his last term.

Rosson failed to offer a persuasive reason for voters why he should serve a 10th term. He became the first municipal judge in more than 40 years to lose reelection.

Rosson graciously called Caviness to congratulate him on his victory election night and pledged a smooth transition.

Caviness now needs to meet expectations and enact the upgrades to the court’s operation he promised. It will be closely watched.

City Council member Amelia Parker won 60% to 40% over businessman Tim Hill (9,240 to 6,181).

Hill was well funded with more than $200,000 versus $51,000 for Parker, but the money did not close the gap. Much of his money was not effectively spent. His numerous brochures were generic, not specific, on the issues.

Parker had a strong base of supporters who turned out. Hill’s campaign never hit a stride strong enough to generate momentum.

Parker may now be mentioned as a mayoral candidate in 2027 along with Vice Mayor Andrew Roberto and Councilman Tommy Smith. Others will emerge, too.

Both Parker and Caviness will be sworn into office Dec. 16 along with Mayor Indya Kincannon, and Councilmembers Lynne Fugate and Charles Thomas and Councilmember-elect Debbie Helsley.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti made a point of telling me at the September investiture of Dwight Tarwater to the State Supreme Court that “I am not running for governor” in 2026. Speculation along these lines has mushroomed with the numerous lawsuits he has filed on conservative issues and his support of the GOP supermajority in the legislature on several high-profile issues.

In his short period as AG, Skrmetti has exceeded the numerous highly visible lawsuits filed by his predecessor, Herbert Slatery, and made sure they were in front of the public with news releases.

If Skrmetti runs for governor in three years, he would have to resign as state AG, allowing the Tennessee Supreme Court to make another appointment for the remaining four years in his term.

It could be a crowded field for the GOP in the race for governor.

Birthdays

Nov. 18: Jim Andrews, attorney and former candidate for sheriff, is 78. Retired Presbyterian pastor Bill Barron is 81. Former county finance director Kathy Hamilton is 67. Martha Boggs is 63. Jeff Fletcher is 80. Former state senator Bill Owen is 76. Laura Cole is 47. Former property assessor Phil Ballard is 70. Paige Travis is 50.

Nov. 19: Scott Fendley is 49. Ken Wise is 74. Ray D. Mostella is 66. Casey Holbrook is 41. Randell E. Merritt is 50. Federal Judge Chuck Atchley is 57.

Nov. 20: President Joe Biden is 81. Gordon Thomas is 89. Hilary Hohl is 33. Thomas P. Catani is 64. Craig Friedrich is 37. Michael Thomas is 61. Former Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey is 68. Former county commissioner Ed Brantley is 77.

Nov. 21: Lofton Stuart is 75. Artist Richard Jolley is 71. Former governor Phil Bredesen is 80. Josh J. Smith is 49. Doug White is 72. U.S. Marshal Dave Jolley is 63.

Nov. 22: Will Skelton is 81. Attorney Buddy Pelot IV is 60.

Nov. 23: Former vice mayor Mark Brown is 73. Attorney Greg Hall is 59. Sen. Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York is 73. Jennifer Holder is 56. UT professor David Baker is 77.

Nov. 24: Jayne Burritt is 67. Fred Brown is 82. Retired judge Wheeler Rosenbalm is 86.

Victor Ashe can be reached at vhashe@aol.com.

Victor Ashe is a former Knoxville mayor and former ambassador to Poland. He is a columnist for Shopper News. 

Knox News and Shopper News promptly correct all errors. If you think we have published incorrect information, please email accuracy@knoxnews.com. Describe the error, where you saw it, the date, page number or the URL.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How Tyler Caviness beat longtime Knoxville judge John Rosson