Knoxville Bar Association Releases Judicial Candidate Ratings

KBA poll shows incumbent judges leading in uncontested races, contested race for General Sessions Court Judge Division IV

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:04am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a government building or courthouse, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the facade, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the importance of a fair and impartial judicial system.The Knoxville Bar Association's judicial candidate ratings provide a thoughtful guide for voters to consider the qualifications and performance of local judges and court officials.McKenzie Today

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) has released its poll of members regarding various judicial candidates and those running for court clerk positions on the May 5 ballot. Of the four races, three are uncontested, with incumbent judges Emily Abbott, Mike Hammond, and Charlie Susano receiving 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' ratings from KBA members. The only contested race is for General Sessions Court Judge Division IV, where incumbent Judge Andrea Kline received a 66.64% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating.

Why it matters

The KBA's judicial candidate ratings provide valuable insight for voters on the qualifications and performance of local judges and court officials. These ratings can help inform voters' decisions in the upcoming election and maintain the integrity of the local judicial system.

The details

The KBA poll showed that for the uncontested races, Criminal Court Division I Judge Emily Abbott received a 48.1% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating, with almost half of respondents saying they did not know enough about her to rate her. Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond received a 67.6% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating, and Circuit Court Clerk Charlie Susano received a 77.1% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating. In the only contested race, for General Sessions Court Judge Division IV, incumbent Judge Andrea Kline received a 66.64% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating, while challenger Ben H. Houston II received a combined 15.97% rating and Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee received a 6.34% rating.

  • The KBA poll was released ahead of the May 5 election.
  • The Knoxville Bar Association regularly conducts these polls to provide guidance to voters on judicial candidates.

The players

Knoxville Bar Association (KBA)

The professional association for lawyers in Knoxville, Tennessee, that regularly conducts polls to evaluate judicial candidates and provide guidance to voters.

Emily Abbott

The incumbent Criminal Court Division I Judge who received a 48.1% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating from the KBA poll.

Mike Hammond

The incumbent Criminal Court Clerk who received a 67.6% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating from the KBA poll.

Charlie Susano

The incumbent Circuit Court Clerk who received a 77.1% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating from the KBA poll.

Andrea Kline

The incumbent General Sessions Court Judge Division IV who received a 66.64% 'Recommend or Strongly Recommend' rating from the KBA poll.

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What they’re saying

“Our office regularly partners with law enforcement agencies to provide training on state law for both new recruits and seasoned officers. These trainings help ensure a strong understanding of the legal framework officers operate within from the very beginning of their careers.”

— Charme Allen, District Attorney

“We appreciate the opportunity to support KPD and invest in continued collaboration across our agencies.”

— Charme Allen, District Attorney

What’s next

Voters in Knoxville will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in the May 5 election, where they can consider the KBA's judicial candidate ratings as they make their choices.

The takeaway

The KBA's judicial candidate ratings provide a valuable resource for Knoxville voters to make informed decisions about the local judiciary. The ratings highlight the importance of maintaining a qualified and impartial judicial system that upholds the rule of law and serves the community.