Sheriff
August 6, 2026 · Hamilton County, Tennessee · County · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Low · 17 out of 100
This district is large for its type, so each vote is a smaller slice of the outcome. About 376,192 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(919,173 ÷ 376,192) ÷ ln(919,173 ÷ 5,079) = 17.19, comparing counties in TN (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: None · only 1 candidate
One candidate is running unopposed, so votes can't change the outcome.
Low representation + an uncontested race → Very low vote impact.
Sheriff is responsible for:
- Running the county's law-enforcement department, including deputies and patrols
- Running the county jail
- Serving court orders, such as evictions and warrants
- Providing courthouse security in many counties
Affected Areas: Immigration, Public Safety and Crime Control, Gun Control, Data Privacy, Civil Rights
Candidates
Austin Garrett
Republican · Incumbent · declared
Austin Garrett is Hamilton County Sheriff and the Republican nominee for reelection in 2026.
Records: Civil Rights 1 for, Data Privacy 1 against, Immigration 1 for, 1 against, Public Safety and Crime Control 6 for
Election sources
Source: elect.hamiltontn.gov
Source: elect.hamiltontn.gov