Big names - Boyd, Clayton, Haslam - have given big bucks to Knox County mayor hopeful Larsen Jay

Knox County Mayoral candidate Larsen Jay is off to a fast start raising money for his campaign to replace Glenn Jacobs in 2026.

Jay, a Republican Knox County commissioner at-large, raised more than $276,000 since his campaign started. That's the most any candidate for county office has ever raised in a single fundraising period, according to a Knox News review of campaign finance disclosures.

But who is supporting him? Financial disclosures show Jay has support from some of the most prominent names in town, including the Boyds, Claytons and Haslams.

Larsen Jay backed by big-name donors

Campaign finance laws limit individual donations to $1,800 in the primary and $1,800 in the general election. If Jay doesn't advance to the general election, $1,800 must be refunded. Thirty-four people donated the maximum.

Here's are some of the recognizable names:

• Pilot founder Jim Haslam: $3,600
• Natalie Haslam: $3,600
• Susan Haslam: $3,600
• Sports executive Jimmy Haslam: $3,600
• Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam: $3,600
• Former Tennessee first lady Crissy Haslam: $3,600
• Boyd's Jig and Reel owner Jenny Boyd: $3,600
• Trust Company CEO Sharon Pryse: $3,600
• Dewhirst Properties owner David Dewhirst: $3,600

Here are other notable contributions:

• BioPet Laboratories founder and owner of Ancient Lore Village Tom Boyd: $900
• Clayton Homes CEO Kevin Clayton: $3,200
• Chelly Clayton: $3,200
• Tracey Dewhirst: $1,000
• Harper Auto Square: $1,000

Wait, which race is this?

The Knox County mayoral election isn't until 2026. But two candidates are already running: Jay and Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond.

Hammond served on the Knox County Commission from 2004 until 2014. He has represented both the 5th District, which includes Farragut, and the county at-large.

Hammond and Jay both served as chair during their time on commission.

No Democrats have declared their candidacy so far. The primary is in spring 2026 and the general election is August 2026.

Hammond's raised $12,600 since starting his campaign. He told Knox News in a statement he views the race as a marathon, not a spring.

"I am well aware of what it will take to have a successful campaign and I invite the citizens to join in our efforts," he said.

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg.

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