Former Knox Co. Prosecutor Kline Rated Highly in Bar Survey for Judge Race

Kline and Lee compete for Sessions Court seat in May 5 primary

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, photorealistic painting of an empty courtroom interior, with a single judge's bench in the center bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplative solemnity about the judicial process.The upcoming judicial election in Knox County has sparked debate over the qualifications of the candidates, with a recent bar survey offering insight into how legal professionals view the contenders.Knoxville Today

Andrea Kline, a former Knox County prosecutor who was appointed to a Sessions Court judgeship in December, received strong ratings from members of the Knoxville Bar Association in a recent survey. Kline is running against attorney and Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee in the May 5 Republican primary. The survey showed about 67% of respondents either "Strongly Recommend" or "Recommend" Kline, while only 10% gave those ratings to Lee.

Why it matters

The KBA survey provides valuable insight into how legal professionals in the community view the qualifications of the candidates running for the Sessions Court seat. This information can help voters make informed decisions in the upcoming primary election.

The details

The KBA survey was conducted between March 20 and April 2, with 363 members responding. In addition to Kline and Lee, the survey also covered Ben H. Houston II, who is running unopposed on the Democratic ballot. The survey asked members to rate the candidates based on factors like knowledge, skill, experience, ethics, and temperament. Kline received very positive ratings, with about 67% of respondents either "Strongly Recommend" or "Recommend" her. In contrast, only about 10% gave those ratings to Lee, while over 50% said they "Do Not Recommend" or "Strongly Do Not Recommend" her. The survey also covered Knox County Criminal Court Judge Emily F. Abbott, who is unopposed, and Knox County Circuit Court Clerk Charlie Susano, who is also unopposed and received a 76% "Strongly Recommend" or "Recommend" rating.

  • The KBA survey was conducted between March 20 and April 2, 2026.
  • Early voting for the May 5, 2026 primary election starts on April 15, 2026.

The players

Andrea Kline

A former Knox County prosecutor who was appointed to a Sessions Court judgeship in December 2025.

Rhonda Lee

An attorney and departing Knox County Commissioner who is running against Kline for the Sessions Court seat.

Ben H. Houston II

The Democratic candidate for the Sessions Court seat, who is running unopposed.

Emily F. Abbott

The Knox County Criminal Court Judge, who is unopposed and must stand for election this year to remain on the bench.

Charlie Susano

The Knox County Circuit Court Clerk, who is unopposed for re-election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The purpose was to give the public information to help them "make informed decisions.”

— Tasha Blakney, KBA Executive Director

What’s next

Early voting for the May 5, 2026 primary election starts on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The KBA survey results highlight the legal community's strong support for Andrea Kline's qualifications for the Sessions Court judgeship, while raising questions about Rhonda Lee's perceived fitness for the role. This information can help voters make an informed decision in the upcoming primary election.