East Tennessee REALTORS®, a nonpartisan trade association with more than 6,000 members across the region, today announced its endorsement of additional candidates in the upcoming 2025 Knoxville City Council election.

The following is a complete list of candidates endorsed by East Tennessee Realtors®:

Matthew DeBardelaben for Knoxville City Council, Fourth District: “Knoxville is growing, and it is our responsibility to shepherd that growth well,” DeBardelaben said. “Robust public policy improves housing affordability, transportation and quality of life while meeting the unique needs of each neighborhood. Knoxville City Council can make smart, publicly informed and transparent decisions with all residents in mind. I am grateful for the support of East Tennessee REALTORS®.”

Frank Ramey for Knoxville City Council, Third District: “Knoxville is special, and we must make sure it continues to be a place where our children can thrive and afford to live,” Ramey said. “As a real estate investor, I understand the challenges we face and am honored by the endorsement of East Tennessee REALTORS®. I’m ready to stand up for smart growth, safe neighborhoods and better infrastructure in the third district and across the city.”

Nathan Honeycutt for Knoxville City Council, Second District: “Land use is an important responsibility of City Council: Our city’s steady growth can benefit all residents if we plan well, invest in neighborhoods and apply local values,” Honeycutt said. “Now is the time for us to envision and build the type of city we hope to pass down to our future generations, and housing is crucial to that effort. I am honored to have the endorsement of East Tennessee REALTORS®.”

The East Tennessee REALTORS® board of directors selects candidates to endorse or support after careful consideration by an internal task force, which reviews candidate positions on issues important to the real estate industry such as housing affordability, property rights and economic development.

“In service to our members and our region, East Tennessee REALTORS® works to advance candidates and policies that build strong communities, protect property rights and promote a vibrant business environment,” 2025 Board President Tina Collins-Hefner said. “Our association focuses on solutions, not politics; we work across the political spectrum to promote homeownership and foster a real estate market that is accessible to all East Tennesseans.”

The general election will be held Nov. 4, 2025, with early voting beginning Oct. 15. For additional information, visit knoxcounty.org/election.

Visit etnrealtors.com/candidate-vetting-process for additional information on the evaluation process.