FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2026

Gina Grubb Sweeps District 8 Precincts, Wins Anderson County Commission Seat
Former Oak Ridge police officer and public school teacher earns 58 percent, outperforming other Democrats on the district’s ballot.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Democrat Gina Grubb won the District 8 special election for Anderson County Commission on Tuesday, earning 58 percent of the vote after a campaign focused on dependable public services, accountable government, and respect for her neighbors.

Grubb received 2,190 votes to Republican Don Layton’s 1,583, a 607-vote margin, and carried all three District 8 precincts.

While Anderson County favored Republicans in state and federal races, District 8 backed Democratic candidates and gave Grubb an even larger share of its vote. She received more votes than any other Democratic candidate on the district’s ballot.

“As your County Commissioner, I will serve all of District 8. Regardless of how you voted, my guiding principle is to love my neighbor. I promise to treat every person with dignity and respect,” Grubb wrote in her message thanking supporters after the election.

Grubb has called Oak Ridge home since she was three years old. She served as a police dispatcher, patrol officer, and school resource officer, and later worked in business management and public education.

“I’ve been a dispatcher, a police officer, and a public school teacher. Those jobs taught me that public service is about people, not political labels,” Grubb wrote during the campaign.

“Her opponent relied on labels and fear. Gina knocked on doors, listened to her neighbors, and talked about what county government should do for them,” said Chase Lindsey, chair of the Anderson County Democratic Party. “She finished knocking on every door on her campaign list, then made sure everyone who helped got the credit. That’s the person voters elected: someone who does the work and appreciates the people beside her.”

Grubb’s priorities include improving emergency medical service facilities, preserving Oak Ridge’s General Sessions Court services, and expanding access to Juvenile Court in Oak Ridge. She also advocated for careful scrutiny of surveillance technology, protection of residents’ rights, and responsible oversight of public spending.

Her election marks a historic milestone: she is the first openly gay person elected to public office in Anderson County history. In her victory message, Grubb thanked her wife, Beth, for her love and support, along with the volunteers, donors, and supporters who helped make the win possible.

Grubb pledged during the campaign to publish a regular District 8 newsletter and hold constituent town halls so residents can raise concerns, follow county business, and understand how she votes and why.

Grubb is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in on November 19.

“Public office is a responsibility, and I’m ready to get to work,” Grubb wrote after the election.