Your Democratic Elected Officials
The decisions that shape our schools, libraries, roads, public services and neighborhoods aren’t made only in Nashville or Washington.
They’re made here, too.
Meet the Democrats Anderson County Voters have elected to represent their communities, and learn how to reach the peope working for you.
District 6
Ebony Capshaw
Incumbent Commissioner & Community Advocate
Ebony Capshaw currently serves as District 6 County Commissioner and works as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. A 36-year Anderson County resident, she has been active in community and civic service in Oak Ridge and across the county.
She is running for re-election because she believes the work started this term isn’t finished and the progress made is worth protecting. She says she stepped up to serve because the community needed someone who would listen to residents and give them a voice at the table where decisions are made.
Ebony supports economic development and quality jobs, infrastructure and smart growth, and public safety and community well-being. She has emphasized workforce pathways and education partnerships aligned with local industry, including opportunities tied to nuclear energy. She has also highlighted work pursuing road safety improvements at the Sinking Springs Road, Lewallen Road, and N. Charles G. Seivers Boulevard intersection, and a coordinated effort with the Oak Ridge Housing Authority to obtain a $500,000 grant dedicated to legacy home repairs for Scarboro community residents.
“The work we started isn’t finished and the progress we’ve made is worth protecting.”
Facebook | Email: votecapshaw@gmail.com
District 7
Sharon Bourgeois Capshaw
Retired ORNL Supervisor & Community Volunteer
Sharon Bourgeois Capshaw retired in 2025 after 20 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she served as an administrative assistant and supervisor. For nearly two decades she worked inside a large, complex institution — managing responsibilities, overseeing processes, and supporting operations. She has lived in District 7 for 18 years and is active in church and volunteer service throughout the community.
She is running for County Commission out of a commitment to her family and the future of Anderson County. Sharon wants her grandchildren — and the next generation — to grow up in a community with strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and dependable public services. For her, county government isn’t abstract. It’s about the infrastructure, budgeting, and services that shape everyday life.
Her priorities reflect that practical focus. She supports improving infrastructure and utilities to keep pace with growth, including sewer and water systems. She emphasizes responsible fiscal management so county budgets protect core services while being mindful of inflation and tax impact. She also highlights the importance of maintaining parks and providing oversight and long-term planning for the county’s new animal shelter facility. Sharon believes steady planning and careful budgeting are essential to keeping Anderson County strong.
Facebook | Email: sbcapshaw@yahoo.com
“I want my grandchildren to have the opportunity to be valued and successful”
District 7
Steve Verran
Incumbent Commissioner & Committee Leader
Steve Verran currently serves as District 7 County Commissioner. Born in Oak Ridge, he has experience in manufacturing and screen-printing leadership and has served on numerous advisory committees and county boards, including ADA and veterans-related committees, the Operations Committee, and previous roles on purchasing and audit committees.
He is seeking re-election with a focus on transparency, accessibility, and stronger representation for Oak Ridge residents in county decisions. He has raised concerns about county actions that affected Oak Ridge without consultation or public comment, and believes residents deserve clearer communication and follow-through from county leadership.
Steve supports equal access to public libraries and has spoken against book banning. He has also emphasized ADA accessibility improvements, noting sidewalk barriers and courthouse compliance concerns. He believes advisory committees and citizens should receive clear responses and that county government should operate with greater openness and accountability.
Facebook | Email: sverran@andersoncountytn.gov
“We need more transparency and response to Advisory Committees and citizens.”
District 8
Liz Henry
Registered Nurse & Community Servant
Elizabeth “Liz” Henry is a Registered Nurse and Diabetes Educator at the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge and also teaches water aerobics and swimming. She has deep roots in Anderson County and a long record of volunteer service — including healthcare outreach, civic board participation, election service, and community support efforts.
She is running because of her connection to the community and her belief that growth requires responsibility. Anderson County has experienced steady growth in recent years, and Liz believes county leadership must maintain roads and bridges, update schools, support affordable housing, and steward tax dollars carefully so growth strengthens rather than strains the community.
She also emphasizes the importance of shared public resources — including libraries, parks, the animal shelter, and the district’s greenway and recreational assets — as part of what makes the area a strong place to live. Liz’s candidacy reflects a service-oriented approach rooted in healthcare, community involvement, and practical local problem-solving.
Facebook | Email: elizabethbartlett14@gmail.com
“As a Commissioner, I would strive to be a good steward of tax dollars in all budget decisions.”
District 7
Steve Verran
Incumbent Commissioner & Committee Leader
Steve Verran currently serves as District 7 County Commissioner. Born in Oak Ridge, he has experience in manufacturing and screen-printing leadership and has served on numerous advisory committees and county boards, including ADA and veterans-related committees, the Operations Committee, and previous roles on purchasing and audit committees.
He is seeking re-election with a focus on transparency, accessibility, and stronger representation for Oak Ridge residents in county decisions. He has raised concerns about county actions that affected Oak Ridge without consultation or public comment, and believes residents deserve clearer communication and follow-through from county leadership.
Steve supports equal access to public libraries and has spoken against book banning. He has also emphasized ADA accessibility improvements, noting sidewalk barriers and courthouse compliance concerns. He believes advisory committees and citizens should receive clear responses and that county government should operate with greater openness and accountability.
Facebook | Email: sverran@andersoncountytn.gov
“We need more transparency and response to Advisory Committees and citizens.”
What does County Commission actually do?
Local government can sound distant until you realize how much of everyday life runs through it.
Anderson County Commissioners vote on the county budget, funding for schools, public services, county facilities and infrastructure, appointments, policies, and the long-term decisions that shape how our community grows.
Knowing who represents you matters.
Looking for al Anderson County officials?
This page highlights Democratic elected officials. For a compete directory of Anderson County government officials and departments, visit the official Anderso County government website.