Image Credit: jeffersoncountytn.gov & Google Earth
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
Rumors are flying in Jefferson County surrounding the abrupt and unexplained firing of Charles Gibson, Administrator of Elections, a public official with a stellar 16-year record of service.
The Tennessee Conservative News reached out to each member of the Jefferson County Election Commission with two simple questions, 1) why was Gibson terminated from his job, and 2) under what business item at the June 18th Special Called meeting was action taken to facilitate the firing. Each member of the election commission was also given an opportunity to comment on the issue.
The Election Commission Chair responded as follows.
“Charles Gibson is no longer Administrator of Elections and we do not discuss individuals personal information with anyone.” – said Phyllis McCracken Chairman of Jefferson County Election Commission.
McCracken’s statement was made to the Tennessee Conservative News on June 26th at 940 PM, 5 days before Gibson’s official termination date and fails to provide a reason for the firing.
One rumor, raging in Jefferson County, is that a replacement administrator is standing in the wings to take Gibson’s place, a theory whose fire is being fueled by the lack of transparency by the election commission.
At least one voter summed the situation up with the following statement.
“The rumors about Gibson’s firing calls into question the motivation of the election commission. Is there really a specific replacement being considered by the election commission? As the old saying goes, where there is smoke, there is fire. The citizens of this county are due an explanation for their actions because of the importance of the position to our election process.” – said Alicia Bonora, Jefferson County Resident
Another Jefferson County resident points to Gibson’s 16 years of excellent work relative to his abrupt firing.
“I was surprised to read that Charles Gibson was fired after holding his office since 2009. Several people have called me wondering if I had any idea. I join them in asking what is the reason someone who had performed his duties since 2009 is fired with no reason given?” – said Janie Slaton, Jefferson County Resident
The Jefferson County Standard-Banner reported in the wake of the election commission meeting in which Gibson was fired that all 5 members voted in the affirmative to terminate Gibson effective July 1, 2025.
The following picture and caption were taken from the Jefferson County Election Commission Website.
The Administrator of Elections commented as follows.
“It has been a privilege to serve the voters of Jefferson County for the last 16 years. I hope they feel they have been well served. We have made a concerted effort to protect the trust and integrity of the election process, the commission, staff, and the voters of this county. During my 16-year term I have not had any complaints filed against me or the office regarding the performance of our duties. I am proud of the job our office has done, especially my staff.
Unfortunately, I was terminated by the board through the Chairman of the Election Commission for what seems to be personal reasons. I hope and pray that whoever is chosen as my successor has all the success that I have been blessed with. Thank you.” – said Charles Gibson, Jefferson County Administrator of Elections
Two different meeting agendas were generated for the June 18, 2025, Election Commission meeting in which Gibson was terminated. The first agenda was provided to the Administrator of Elections which prompted the meeting advertisement in the Standard-Banner newspaper. The second agenda was distributed at the meeting by the election commission chair, neither agenda alluded to the firing of Charles Gibson.
DOCUMENT PACKAGE, Emails to and from the Jefferson County Election Commission / Tennessee Conservative News, email response from Chairman McCracken, records request forms filed with EC, meeting advertisement, and both meeting agendas can be viewed at the link provided HERE.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
We had a similar occurrence in Benton County a few years back. The expelled elections administrator is now county mayor and the former “mayor” behind his firing is gone.