Fentress County Election 2026 – May 5 Republican Primary Candidates | Jamestown TN
Fentress County

May 5, 2026 Election
Candidate Guide

Republican Primary – Official candidates and race information for Fentress County, Tennessee

πŸ“… Election Day: May 5, 2026 πŸ—³οΈ Republican Primary πŸ“ Fentress County, TN
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County-Wide Offices

Vote For 1 County Executive Also filed: Larry Cooper, Robert D. Cooper
Jacob E. Rosenbaum

Jacob Rosenbaum is the Executive Director of the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of the Fentress County Industrial Board. He is also the former Editor of the Fentress Courier newspaper, and the President of the Jamestown Rotary Club.

A native of Fentress County, Jacob grew up in Allardt and lives in Little Crab with his wife Hannah (Gooding) and his three children (R.L., Catherine, and Henry) on the farm his great-grandparents, Shorty and Pauline Peavyhouse, farmed for over 60 years.

Combining his executive leadership experience in the local business community, his commitment to volunteerism and civic service, and his experience as a journalist, Jacob is committed to building a stronger local economy by supporting local businesses, expanding opportunity through infrastructure improvements, and ensuring total transparency in local government with honest, open communication to the public.

Committed to preserving Fentress County’s traditional values and hometown heritage while building a brighter, more prosperous future, Jacob is running unopposed in the Republican Primary on May 5th and will stand as the Republican nominee in the August 6th County General Election for Fentress County Executive.

Vote For 1 Sheriff Also filed: Hunter Fowler
Rodney Insco Sr.
My name is Rodney Insco, and I am respectfully asking for your vote to serve as the next Sheriff of Fentress County.
With nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement and more than 25 years as a state certified officer, I am proud to officially announce my candidacy for Sheriff in the 2026 Republican Primary Election. I currently serve as the Lead Detective/Investigator for the Celina Police Department and am a graduate of the Walters State Regional Law Enforcement Academy.
Throughout my career, I have completed several hundred hours of specialized training, including Interview and Interrogation, Auto Theft and Advanced Auto Theft, Child Sexual Abuse investigations, Human Trafficking, Elder Abuse, DUI Enforcement, Drug Interdiction, and I am certified as a LIDAR and RADAR instructor, among other certifications. I have also been a member of a S.W.A.T Team, a member of the Honor Guard, and I have been awarded two exceptional service awards. I have continuously invested in my professional development to ensure I am prepared to lead, mentor, and serve at the highest level.
My mission is clear, it’s to build and lead a sheriff’s department grounded in integrity, honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Over four years ago, I began this journey by asking for the trust and support of the citizens of Fentress County. One of the most common questions I was asked then and still today is, β€œWhat does integrity mean to you?” My answer has never changed, integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It means ensuring your actions match your words, especially when no one is looking. I do not believe in cutting corners or bending the law. A department led by me will operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability at every level.
During the last election, I made promises to the people of this county, promises that truly mattered to me. When I fell short, I humbled myself and asked for the opportunity to serve anyway, so I could honor those commitments. I was given that opportunity, and I proudly served the citizens of Fentress County for nearly two years.
I also recognize that the other candidates have had the opportunity to lead this department. With respect, I believe our county deserves stronger results and a higher standard. I am humbly asking for the chance to demonstrate how this department should and can be led at the highest level it has ever seen.
I am not seeking this position for money, power, or title. I am seeking it for the people of Fentress County and for the men and women who serve within this department.
The people of Fentress County deserve a law enforcement agency that keeps its promises, serves with respect, and works tirelessly to keep our community safe. As Sheriff, I will ensure every deputy is fully trained, properly equipped, and committed to the oath they swore to uphold.
Some of my priorities include but are not limited to:
β€’ Protecting the Children of Fentress County like they are my own because I have two small grade school children, they are truly our future
β€’ Improving response times so help is there when you need it most
β€’ Ensuring respect for both our citizens and the badge
β€’ Raising training standards to make our department one of the most professional in Tennessee
β€’ Restoring trust through transparency and accountability
With your trust, I will work tirelessly to build a department that is respected across this state, one defined by professionalism, accountability, and excellence. I am confident that, given the opportunity, we can make the Fentress County Sheriff’s Department one of the finest law enforcement agencies Tennessee has ever seen.
Together, we can make Fentress County a place where everyone is proud to call home, a county that is safe, respected, and served by a department built on trust.
It’s time for a new chapter in law enforcement, one built on service, integrity, and dedication to the people.
Rodney B. Insco Sr. for Sheriff of Fentress County, 2026
Integrity. Accountability. Service You Can Trust.
If you have any questions, I encourage you to reach out. I, along with Rick Pedigo, who will serve as Chief Deputy, are always available to speak with you.
Rodney Insco: (931) 200-7320
Rick Pedigo: (615) 478-0715
You can also follow my Facebook page Rodney Insco for Fentress County Sheriff 2026
Gary "Goose" Ledbetter

Gary Ledbetter currently serves as a Detective for the Overton County Sheriff’s Office. He began his law enforcement career in 1986 as a reserve officer with the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office and became a full-time Deputy Sheriff in 1987. In 1997, Gary was promoted to Detective, and since then he has served as Detective, Lead Detective, and Chief Deputy.

A native of Fentress County, Gary grew up in Jamestown and now resides in Pine Haven. He has one son and two grandsons.

Gary believes the number one responsibility of the Sheriff is ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of Fentress County. On day one, he plans to implement a program to conduct daily welfare checks on vulnerable elderly residents. He is committed to protecting children from those who seek to harm them by hiring experienced and well-trained detectives.

With 39 years of experience in law enforcement, Gary recognizes that drug abuse and addiction are among the most serious issues facing the community. He is committed to enforcing laws against drug dealers while also working closely with organizations like Manna House to support individuals seeking recovery.

Gary has dedicated nearly two-thirds of his life to law enforcement. If elected Sheriff, he believes his training and experience will allow him to make a meaningful difference in Fentress County.

Vote For 1 Circuit Court Clerk
Gina Mullinix
I am honored to announce that I am seeking re-election as your Circuit Court Clerk. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Fentress County since 2014, and I am proud of the work we have done in the Clerk’s Office over the past decade. Before serving in this role, I owned and operated a successful convenience store in Clarkrange, TN for 11 years. Through this experience, I worked with people from all walks of life and developed a strong commitment to service, fairness, and accountability. When I first took office, I made a commitment to improve efficiency, organization, and ensure that every citizen who walks through our door was treated with respect and professionalism. Together, my staff and I have transformed the office into one that is more accessible, dependable, and accountable to the public. During my time as Circuit Court Clerk, we modernized office procedures, improved record-keeping, and built a team that works hard every day to serve our courts, law enforcement, attorneys, and most importantly, the people of Fentress County. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office plays a vital role in our justice system, and I remain committed and dedicated to running an efficient and transparent office that serves people with integrity. I respectfully ask for your continued support β€” it would be an honor to continue to serve the people of Fentress County.

✦ TRUSTWORTHY Β β€’Β  TRIED Β β€’Β  TRUE

Vote For 1 County Clerk
Amanda Hicks

Amanda Hicks currently serves as Fentress County Clerk and is seeking re-election after first being elected in 2022. With more than 25 years of experience in customer service, management, and public service, she brings strong leadership and a deep commitment to serving her community.

Amanda holds a Contemporary Management degree from Roane State Community College and is both a Certified Public Administrator through the University of Tennessee and a Certified County Financial Officer through the Tennessee State Comptroller’s Office.

During her time in office, she has expanded local services by adding a Driver’s License Self-Service Kiosk, a Clarkrange Vehicle Renewal Kiosk, and Passport Acceptance Services β€” all while maintaining a balanced budget with zero audit findings.

She serves on the Community House Board, supports the Rotary Club Children’s Shopping Spree Telethon, and is actively involved in community events. Amanda is also a strong supporter of local businesses and believes in investing in the strength and success of Fentress County.

Vote For 1 Register of Deeds
Vote For 1 Road Superintendent
Vote For 1 County Trustee
No Candidate Qualified β€” Write-In Only
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County Commission

Vote For Two (2) per district

District 1 County Commission
No Candidate Qualified β€” Write-In Only
District 2 County Commission
District 3 County Commission
Haylee Martin

I am a lifelong resident of Fentress County, and my love for this community runs deep. I am a graduate of Alvin C. York Institute, earned an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Roane State Community College, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Tennessee Tech University.

Service has always been important to me. I am a current member and former president of the Jamestown Rotary Club, serve as President of Fentress Forward β€” a local nonprofit focused on community development β€” and am a member of the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. I was also humbled to be named a 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Star recipient, recognizing volunteer service across our state.

My commitment to this county is rooted not only in service, but in family. I have been married to my husband Camron Martin for almost 11 years, and together we are raising our three boys β€” Barrett, Sutton, and Coleman β€” right here in Fentress County. I am the daughter of James and Deb Moody and Michelle and the late Alon Stout, and the granddaughter of Geraldine and the late Rondal Moody, and Donald and Almeda Peavyhouse.

These experiences have given me a strong understanding of our community, its challenges, and its potential. I believe in accountability, transparency, and working together to move Fentress County forward.

District 4 County Commission
District 5 County Commission
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School Board

Vote For One (1) per district

District 1 School Board
District 2 School Board Also filed: Sonya R. Franklin
District 3 School Board William Cody filed but did not qualify
No Candidate Qualified β€” Write-In Only
District 4 School Board Also filed: James (Eddie) Cook
District 5 School Board Gary B. Peters filed but did not qualify
No Candidate Qualified β€” Write-In Only
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County Legislative Body

August 6, 2026 General Election β€” from filing records

District 1 County Legislative Body
District 2 County Legislative Body
District 3 County Legislative Body
District 4 County Legislative Body
District 5 County Legislative Body
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Constable

Vote For One (1) per district

District 1 Constable
No Candidate Qualified β€” Write-In Only
District 2 Constable
District 3 Constable
District 4 Constable
No Candidate Qualified β€” Write-In Only
District 5 Constable
No Candidate Qualified β€” Write-In Only