You probably know him as Kane. The guy who wore a mask, set things on fire, and chokeslammed The Undertaker through a ring. But if you walk into the City-County Building in Knoxville today, you aren’t meeting a monster. You’re meeting a guy in a suit who is obsessed with property tax ratios and "libertarian-leaning" fiscal policy.
Honestly, the transition from pro wrestling to local government shouldn't make sense. It sounds like a punchline. Yet, here we are in 2026, and the Glenn Jacobs for mayor story has moved past the "novelty" phase into something much more complex. He isn't just a celebrity playing politician; he's an incumbent who has reshaped Knox County's approach to growth, spending, and "conservatarian" values.
Most people outside of East Tennessee think it’s a gimmick. They're wrong. It’s a grind.
The 23-Vote Shadow: How It All Started
In 2018, Glenn Jacobs didn't just walk into the office. He barely scraped by. People forget that he won the Republican primary by exactly 23 votes. 23. That’s a rounding error. It was a three-way dogfight against Brad Anders and Bob Thomas, both of whom had deep local political roots.
Jacobs was the outsider. He was the "WWE guy."
He spent that first campaign trying to convince people he wasn't the character they saw on TV. He talked about Friedrich Hayek and Murray Rothbard. He preached about limited government. He leaned into his identity as a "business owner" (he and his wife Crystal owned an insurance agency) rather than a wrestler.
Then came the 2022 re-election. The "Big Red Machine" wasn't a fluke anymore. He beat Democrat Debbie Helsley with about 55% of the vote. Sure, it was a dip from his 66% landslide in the 2018 general election, but he won. He's currently serving his second and final term, which ends in late 2026. Because of term limits, he can't run for mayor again.
This has led to a massive vacuum in local politics. Three candidates—Republican County Commissioner Jay, Republican School Board member Henderson, and Sherry Witt—are already jockeying for the 2026 primary.
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The "No Tax Increase" Pledge
If you ask Jacobs what his biggest win is, he won't say a pay-per-view main event. He’ll tell you it’s the tax rate. Knox County hasn't seen a property tax increase since 1999. Think about that. Through the 2008 crash, a global pandemic, and the inflation spikes of 2023-2024, the rate stayed at $1.554 per $100 assessed.
Is it sustainable? Critics aren't so sure.
In his May 2025 budget proposal, Jacobs admitted it was a "tight year." Revenues are flat. The cost of fuel, asphalt, and labor is skyrocketing. He proposed a $1.119 billion budget, which sounds huge until you realize $700 million of that goes straight to the schools.
The mayor’s philosophy is basically: “If I don’t have the money, I don't spend it.” He’s a fiscal hawk. He’s sold off county real estate, like the old Andrew Johnson Building, to get it back on the tax rolls. He’s pushed for "Advance Knox," a massive land-use plan to manage the insane growth hitting the region. But the "no-frills" approach has consequences.
- County employees: Most got a modest 1% or 2% raise in recent years.
- Infrastructure: While the Schaad Road extension is moving, many residents complain about "paving fatigue" and traffic.
- The Schools: He fully funded the school board’s request, but with the caveat that they have to manage their own "tight" reality.
The Pandemic Flashpoint
You can't talk about the Glenn Jacobs for mayor era without talking about COVID-19. This is where he became a national figure for the Right. While major cities were locking down, Jacobs was the lone "no" vote on the Knox County Board of Health.
He didn't just disagree; he went to war with the concept of mandates.
He eventually pushed to strip the Board of Health of its power, turning it into an advisory body. For his supporters, he was a hero standing up for small business. For his critics, he was being reckless with public health. It’s a divide that still exists in Knoxville today.
He’s also made Knox County a "Second Amendment Sanctuary" and consistently refused to fund Planned Parenthood. He’s leaned into the culture wars, often appearing on national outlets like PragerU or various libertarian podcasts to discuss "cultural Marxism" and the need for "principled masculinity."
What’s Next for the "Monster" Mayor?
Since he’s term-limited in 2026, the question is: what now?
The rumor mill in Tennessee is a 24/7 operation. People are pointing toward the 2026 Governor’s race. Current Governor Bill Lee is term-limited too. Jacobs has the name recognition. He has the fundraising base. He has the "outsider" credentials that Republican primary voters crave.
He hasn't officially declared, but his "Weekly Updates" on YouTube feel more like statewide addresses lately. He’s talking about tourism, the BassMaster Classic, and the "banner year" Knox County is having. He’s positioning himself as a successful executive who managed a billion-dollar budget without blinking.
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The Reality Check: The Jacobs Record
- Job Growth: Over 2,500 new jobs and $217 million in capital investment under his watch.
- Debt: Maintained a AA+ bond rating, which is the second highest possible.
- Schools: Built three new schools (Lonsdale, Adrian Burnett, and Northwest Elementary) without a tax hike.
- Law Enforcement: Increased deputy pay significantly, taking entry-level salaries over $50,000 to stay competitive with the Knoxville Police Department.
Actionable Insights for Following Knox County Politics
If you're watching the final year of the Jacobs administration or looking at the 2026 transition, keep an eye on these specific markers:
- The Property Tax Ratio: Jacobs noted a $10 million hit to revenue recently due to business personal property tax ratios. If the next mayor can't fix this, the 26-year "no tax hike" streak might finally break.
- The 2026 Primary: Since there's no incumbent, the May 2026 Republican primary will be the real election. In Knox County, the Republican winner almost always cruises through the August general.
- The "Governor" Pivot: Watch his travel schedule. If Jacobs starts showing up at GOP dinners in Memphis or Jackson, he's running for the big seat in Nashville.
Glenn Jacobs changed the blueprint. He proved that a 7-foot-tall wrestler could actually be a "policy nerd" who cares about zoning ordinances and municipal bonds. Whether you love his libertarian streak or hate his hands-off approach to public health, you can't deny he's been one of the most effective "celebrity" politicians in recent memory. He didn't just show up; he governed.
The 2026 race to replace him will be the most expensive and watched local election in Tennessee history. Get ready.