Targonski seeks District 2 commissioner seat


Tina Graham Targonski
Army veteran, former law enforcement officer, and longtime community volunteer Tina Graham Targonski has announced that she is running for a seat on the Anderson County Commission in District 2.

Targonski, a working mother who moved to Anderson County 13 years ago to ensure her son could attend a strong public school system, said she is seeking the seat to bring integrity, transparency and a service-first approach to county government.

She said her involvement in local advocacy efforts for children, families and animals helped shape her decision to run.

In a release, Targonksi states that her “candidacy is driven by a belief that local government should be responsive, compassionate, and grounded in real-world experience.”

“My life has been shaped by service — from my time serving in the military to the years I’ve spent volunteering for my neighbors and local animal shelters,” Targonski stated. “I’m running because working families deserve a commissioner who understands what it’s like to balance a job, raise a family and still show up for our community.”

Targonski said she believes that Anderson County needs leadership grounded in integrity, compassion and everyday experience — not politics as usual.

If elected, Targonski said she plans to focus on strengthening public services, improving county transparency, supporting responsible growth, and ensuring that every neighborhood in District 2 has a voice at the table.

Targonski emphasized that her campaign will be built on listening to residents and elevating the issues that matter most to them.

She invites community members to connect, share concerns, and get involved as the campaign continues.

She served eight years as an Army intelligence specialist with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment — recruited by Anderson County’s current Veterans Service Office Scott Nation — and later attended the Knoxville Police Academy while serving in the Tennessee National Guard.

She is currently a hotel manager in downtown Knoxville.