{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJeff Jopling is the incumbent Blount County Commissioner for District 8, Seat B, running for a third term [1][2]. He won the Republican primary on May 5, 2026, and no Democrat or independent qualified for the seat, so the primary result stands as the outcome of the August 6, 2026 county general election [1].\n\n## Background and education\nJopling is a longtime resident of Townsend and was educated through Maryville College [1]. Before entering politics he worked as a professional touring musician [1].\n\n## Career\nJopling co-owns Country Manor Acres, a wedding-and-event venue, bed-and-breakfast, and stables on one of Townsend's remaining large properties, which he runs with his wife [1][3]. He serves on the county commission's Planning committee [1].\n\n## Office history\nJopling has served two terms (per his own account, \"the past 8 years\") as the District 8, Seat B commissioner [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\nJopling describes his two terms as focused on \"slowing overdevelopment, preserving rural areas, and maintaining the quality of life our community values\" [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Hats in the Ring: County Commission Seat 8-B](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/thedailytimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/5c/75c748a8-91ff-486d-93f1-2e35ad0d0e95/69e842d882a1a.pdf.pdf), The Daily Times, April 21, 2026 (candidate questionnaire)\n[2] [August 6, 2026 Official Ballot for Blount County](https://www.blounttn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30077/August-6-2026-Sample-Ballot-PDF)\n[3] [A well-rounded life: Townsend's Jeff Jopling finds fulfillment off the stage as well](https://www.thedailytimes.com/entertainment/a-well-rounded-life-townsends-jeff-jopling-finds-fulfillment-off-the-stage-as-well/article_2f15711f-46e1-558d-86fa-6d8a1f8d5c2a.html), The Daily Times","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_commission_district_8_seat_b","county":"Blount","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"TN","title":"County Commission District 8, Seat B"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Jeff","fullname":"Jeff Jopling","lastname":"Jopling","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_commission_district_8_seat_b","contest_title":"County Commission District 8, Seat B","county":"Blount","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_commission_district_8_seat_b","office_title":null,"party":"R","pgr":"general","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_commission_district_8_seat_b","contest_title":"County Commission District 8, Seat B","county":"Blount","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_commission_district_8_seat_b","office_title":null,"party":"R","pgr":"general","state":"TN"},"party":"R","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_commission_district_8_seat_b","office_title":"County Commission District 8, Seat B","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Incumbent Blount County Commissioner, District 8 Seat B, running for a third term; unopposed on the Aug. 6, 2026 general ballot.","terms":[],"token":"7LDrbj2nWZ"}