BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Sullivan County Commissioner Zane Vanover announced his candidacy for Sullivan County mayor in 2026.

Vanover’s announcement on Tuesday came one day after Mayor Richard Venable announced that he would not seek another term.

The District 6 county commissioner made his announcement at Bristol Motor Speedway, presenting what he described as a vision of “grounded growth,” which includes “neighborly, conservative stewardship” and “plans in decades, not election cycles,” as stated in a news release.

“This isn’t a career move — it’s a calling,” Vanover expressed in the release. “I told God that if someone else stepped up who was ready for the job, I’d gladly support them. But no one did. Sometimes God doesn’t speak in words — He works through conviction and through people who come up to you after church or in the grocery store and say, ‘Zane, we need you to do this.’”

Vanover mentioned that his campaign will emphasize long-term financial planning, public safety, balanced growth, and education. He also stated his intentions to protect farmland, enhance infrastructure, and boost career-technical education.

Former county commissioner and current school board member Angie Stanley also announced her bid for mayor on Tuesday.