Rep. Sam McKenzie backs Matthew Park for seat on Knox County Commission

Tennessee state Rep. Sam McKenzie, D-Knoxville, has endorsed candidate Matthew Park in the election to represent Knox County Commission’s District 9.

McKenzie, who serves as chair of the legislature’s Black Caucus, served as a county commissioner 2008-2016. McKenzie defeated Park in 2020 when the pair faced off in the Democratic primary.

“Matthew is the right person for the 9th District. His passion for public service and serving the people of South Knoxville is proven,” McKenzie said in a statement on Sep. 14. “Matthew will keep the balance between urban development and rural preservation. He will make a great commissioner for Knox County.”

Park announced his campaign to represent District 9, which covers the South Waterfront and stretches from the French Broad River Corridor to Alcoa Highway, on Sep. 8. He said in his campaign announcement that the commission has been “absent” from addressing the county’s housing crisis.

The 9th District seat is held by Republican Carson Dailey, who will be term limited in 2024.

“Rep. McKenzie has represented our community well in the State Legislature, and I am grateful to receive his endorsement,” Park said in a Sep. 14 release. “I’m excited to partner with him on affordable housing, farm preservation and public school funding to create a better Knox County!”

The Knox County Commission is comprised of 11 members. Nine represent districts, and two represent the entire county as at-large members. Terms are four years, and commissioners are limited to two consecutive terms.

The primary election will take place March 5 and the general will be held Aug. 1.