'Do more for less': David Good runs for Hawkins sheriff

HAWKINS COUNTY — State Trooper David Good is running for Hawkins County sheriff in the 2026 elections. "I want to be able to change the department and have a department that the citizens and employees are proud of," he said. Good has worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years, first as a city police officer in Bulls Gap. He has served in the Tennessee Highway Patrol for 25 years. In this time, Good said, he's "seen a lot, done a lot and gotten a lot of contacts." Good said he's always wanted to be sheriff. "I'm ready to do something different, to help the community more," he said. One of Good's priorities, if elected, would be to slim down the budget. He said it has doubled over the years — since 2013, according to the Hawkins County Commission's online archive — and is the second largest budget in the county. "I think a lot of waste goes on down there," Good said. "I'd like to be able to do more for less." Additionally, Good noted a need for transparency and a new approach to the drug situation in Hawkins County. He said the county has had too many overdoses and drug abuse, and something must be done differently. Good also said other candidates have worked within the sheriff's office without changing things. "Why have they not changed anything yet?" he said. "Why say it now because we're running for sheriff?" This is part of an ongoing series of candidate profiles for Hawkins County races. Primary elections for county offices will be held on May 5, 2026. General elections will be on Aug. 6. Other candidates for Hawkins County sheriff include Commissioner and HCSO detective Chad Britton; HCSO Chief Deputy Tony Allen; Church Hill Police Department Assistant Chief Roddy Miller; and Scott Stewart, the assistant director of the Third Judicial District Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. Karesa G. Floyd Charles has also picked up a candidate petition. Current Sheriff Ronnie Lawson will not seek reelection, retiring in August 2026 after 16 years in the position.