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Russell Barker
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Russell Barker is the Republican Anderson County Sheriff, first elected in 2018 12. He won the May 5, 2026 Republican primary over challenger David G. Davis with 80.8% of the vote to Davis's 19.2% 3, and faces independent candidate Colt Jennings in the August 6, 2026 county general election 34.
Career
Barker served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve before beginning a career in law enforcement as a police officer; per his department's official biography, he is now in his 20th year in law enforcement 1.
Office history
Barker's office says he has increased law-enforcement coverage by 30% and has emphasized community policing and youth outreach 1. In 2025 he was elected president of the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association, a one-year post representing all 95 of the state's county sheriffs 5.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
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State offices (Governor, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee, statewide judiciary) —
Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Barker”, and submit.
US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the FEC — see the federal section below. - County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“Barker”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Barker”and, if needed, select the applicable position.