Vote No for Ron Newcomb: Why Your Voice Still Counts in East Tennessee
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Residents of Sevier County and Tennessee's Fourth Judicial District will not get to vote for the person who immediately replaces outgoing District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn.
Instead, Governor Bill Lee will appoint an interim District Attorney General, making public input especially important as the Governor considers who should serve as the district's next chief prosecutor.
One of the applicants seeking that appointment is Ron Newcomb.
The No For Newcomb campaign strongly opposes his appointment and is encouraging residents of Sevier, Cocke, Grainger, and Jefferson Counties to make their voices heard.
Why Won't Voters Choose the Next District Attorney General?
Jimmy Dunn announced his early retirement on July 10, with his departure occurring after the deadline necessary to place candidates for the office on the upcoming election ballots.
As a result, the immediate vacancy will be filled through an appointment by Governor Bill Lee rather than through an election.
The campaign argues that this means residents who would normally expect to have a say at the ballot box must instead communicate directly with the Governor if they want their opinions considered.
Ron Newcomb Is Seeking the Appointment
Ron Newcomb has served as a prosecutor in the Fourth Judicial District and as a longtime deputy under Jimmy Dunn.
According to the No For Newcomb campaign, Newcomb's record raises serious concerns about whether he should become the district's next chief prosecutor.
The campaign points to allegations and controversies involving Newcomb's conduct during grand jury proceedings, disputes involving judges, and professional-conduct complaints and investigations.
These are serious allegations, and readers are encouraged to examine the underlying public records and court filings when evaluating the campaign's claims.
Questions About the Timing of Jimmy Dunn's Retirement
The No For Newcomb campaign has also raised questions about the timing of Dunn's retirement announcement.
Dunn announced his early retirement on July 10, one day after a judge questioned statements contained in an affidavit he submitted in an ongoing public-records dispute.
The campaign alleges that Dunn and Newcomb intended for the timing of the retirement to prevent voters from choosing Dunn's immediate replacement and to create an opportunity for Newcomb to succeed him through gubernatorial appointment.
That is the campaign's allegation, rather than an established finding presented here as fact. The campaign encourages the public to review the relevant court filings, timelines, and other available records and reach their own conclusions.
Why This Matters for Sevier County and East Tennessee
The District Attorney General exercises significant authority over criminal prosecutions throughout the Fourth Judicial District, which includes Sevier, Cocke, Grainger, and Jefferson Counties.
The individual selected for the position will make decisions affecting criminal cases, victims, defendants, law enforcement agencies, and communities throughout the district.
The No For Newcomb campaign argues that the next District Attorney General should demonstrate integrity, independence, transparency, sound judgment, respect for constitutional rights, and accountability to the public.
The campaign does not believe Ron Newcomb meets those standards.
You May Not Get a Vote, But You Still Have a Voice
Although voters will not decide this immediate appointment at the ballot box, residents can still contact Governor Lee and express their opinions about who should—or should not—receive the appointment.
The No For Newcomb campaign is asking residents to tell the Governor:
NO FOR NEWCOMB.
Contact Governor Bill Lee
Phone: (615) 741-2001
Share Your Opinion Online:https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us/share-opinion.html
Learn More About Ron Newcomb and the Campaign
Residents who want to examine additional campaign materials, publicly available court records, legal filings, and timelines can visit:
The appointment of the next District Attorney General will have consequences throughout the Fourth Judicial District. The campaign encourages residents to review the available information and make their voices heard before Governor Lee makes his decision.
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