About Rhonda Lee
A lifetime of service to Knox County
Fighter. Advocate. Public Servant.
Rhonda Lee has dedicated her career to serving the people of Knox County—first as a defense attorney fighting for her clients' rights, and now as your County Commissioner holding government accountable.
An 8th generation Tennesseean and lifelong conservative Republican, Rhonda has called Powell home for 39 years. She raised her six children here and now delights in her role as grandmother to twelve grandchildren. Her faith, family, and community have always been the foundation of her life.
Rhonda's path to the law was not easy. While pursuing her law degree at Nashville School of Law, she was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than give up, she fought through treatment while continuing her studies, eventually earning her Juris Doctor and passing the bar exam.
"I fought cancer to get my law degree, and I'll keep fighting for you."
As Knox County Commissioner for District 7, Rhonda has established herself as a fiscal watchdog and voice for accountability. She led the charge to hold HPUD accountable and has consistently fought for transparent, responsible government.
Commissioner Lee authored and championed a resolution declaring that "the Knox County Commission neither supports nor approves of activities, programs, events, content, or institutions which support, normalize or encourage the sexualization of children and youth."
The resolution, first introduced in September 2023 and reintroduced in November 2024, aimed to ensure taxpayer dollars would not fund programs or events that sexualize children. Despite facing opposition, Lee remained steadfast in her advocacy.
"I'm surprised of any pushback, to be honest, of anybody who would not stand up for anything, any way that would protect their children," Lee said. "It is not aimed at closing libraries down, but it's just to make sure that we're not spending taxpayer dollars on something that would affect our children in a negative way. I want to protect their innocence as children."
Though the resolution did not pass, Lee's willingness to stand firm on principle—even when facing criticism—demonstrates the same courage and conviction she will bring to the bench.
More recently, Rhonda authored and passed the resolution honoring conservative leader Charlie Kirk for his work defending free speech and traditional American values.
"From defending free speech with the Charlie Kirk resolution, to saving taxpayer dollars, to standing with ratepayers against the Hallsdale-Powell Utility District, I've shown I will always put Knox County families first. I'll bring that same tenacity and principle to the General Sessions bench."
Qualifications
Defense Attorney
Years of experience representing clients in Knox County courts, understanding the justice system from every angle. Rhonda knows how the courts work and what changes are needed to make them work better.
Knox County Commissioner
As District 7 Commissioner, Rhonda has proven her commitment to accountability, fiscal responsibility, and fighting for taxpayers. She led efforts to hold HPUD accountable and consistently advocates for transparent government.
Education
- Doctorate of Jurisprudence (J.D.) — Nashville School of Law
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) — University of Tennessee
- Associate Degree (A.S.) — Pellissippi State Community College
Community & Family
- 8th generation Tennesseean
- Lifelong Conservative Republican
- Powell resident for 39 years
- Mother of 6, grandmother of 12
- Active member of First Apostolic Church
- Cancer survivor
A Personal Note
When I was diagnosed with cancer while pursuing my law degree, many people expected me to take a break, to slow down, to put my dreams on hold. Instead, I chose to fight—for my health, for my future, and for the career I knew would let me serve others.
That same determination drives me today. I've spent my career fighting for clients who needed an advocate, for taxpayers who needed accountability, and for our community that deserves better from its government.
Now I'm asking for the opportunity to bring that same fight to the General Sessions bench. Our courts should be a place where every person receives fair treatment, where cases are handled efficiently, and where the Constitution is upheld without exception.
I've lived in Knox County long enough to know what our community values: faith, family, hard work, and fairness. As your General Sessions Judge, I promise to honor those values every single day.
— Rhonda Lee
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join our campaign to bring fairness and efficiency to Knox County's courts.