{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nKeith L. Vencel is a Democratic nominee for one of two DeKalb County Commission seats in District 6 in the August 6, 2026 general election, running with fellow Democrat Jeff Barnes and Republicans Andy Pack and Bruce Parsley [1][2]. He was nominated in the May 5, 2026 Democratic primary [2]. Vencel has said his concerns include the county's planned jail project and its cost, road maintenance, and services for disabled veterans, senior citizens, and children [3].\n\n## Background and education\nVencel describes himself as a U.S. Air Force veteran, educator, and businessperson [3]. He holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Service, and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice [3].\n\n## Career\nVencel served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a commissioned officer after prior enlisted service, and is a disabled veteran [3]. He worked 15 years as an educator and trainer at universities and healthcare organizations \u2014 including Vanderbilt University Medical Center \u2014 in human resources, information technology, talent management, and research and development [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [New County Mayor and Sheriff to be Elected August 6 \u2014 WJLE Radio](https://www.wjle.com/new-county-mayor-and-sheriff-to-be-elected-august-6-early-voting-begins-friday-july-17/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Hale and Green Unseat Merriman in Tuesday GOP Primary \u2014 WJLE Radio](https://www.wjle.com/hale-and-green-unseat-merriman-in-tuesday-gop-primary-to-win-nomination-for-county-commission-district-5/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[3] [Vencel Announces Candidacy for County Commission-District 6 \u2014 WJLE Radio](https://www.wjle.com/vencel-announces-candidacy-for-county-commission-district-6-in-dekalb-democratic-primary/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_commission_district_6","county":"Dekalb","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"TN","title":"County Commissioner District 6"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"KEITH","fullname":"KEITH L. VENCEL","lastname":"VENCEL","middlename":"L.","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_commission_district_6","contest_title":"County Commissioner District 6","county":"Dekalb","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_commission_district_6","office_title":null,"party":"D","pgr":"general","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_commission_district_6","contest_title":"County Commissioner District 6","county":"Dekalb","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_commission_district_6","office_title":null,"party":"D","pgr":"general","state":"TN"},"party":"D","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_commission_district_6","office_title":"County Commissioner District 6","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Democratic nominee for DeKalb County Commission District 6; U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime educator and HR professional.","terms":[],"token":"59mUU2BgFi"}