Gabrielle Hanson falls silent after overwhelming mayoral election defeat

Outgoing alderman and Franklin mayoral candidate Gabrielle Hanson has fallen silent in the hours after voters sent a clear message by reelecting Mayor Ken Moore and all of the incumbent aldermen and electing Greg Caesar as alderman. The former alderman has offered no concession speech and no public thanks to her voters and supporters.

Moore confirmed to The News on Wednesday that he has not received the traditional concession call from Hanson, who was handily defeated 12,822 to 3,322.

The News made several attempts to reach out to Hanson for comment following her defeat, but she has not returned any of those requests.

Hanon's campaign's website and social accounts have also not been updated with any post-election message.

Hanson, along with Franklin alderman candidates Jeff Feldman, Gary Moore and Patrick George, held a private election night watch party at Franklin's Hilton Cool Springs hotel, which was scheduled to include a live yo-yo performance, for which tickets were being sold for $500 per person.

The News attempted to attend the watch party, but was told that media was not welcome, and we were prevented from entering the hotel by a man who identified himself as a member of the hotel's staff.

All of the losing candidates, with the exception of Bhavani "B.K." Muvvala, were endorsed by the Williamson Families political action committee, but Williamson Families Chair Robin Steenman declined to issue any comment about the loss and what it could mean for the PAC which was formed in 2021.

Alderman candidates Muvvala and Feldman both issued statements to The News, which can be read in full below.

Bhavani "B.K." Muvvala

"I, BK Muvvala, wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who placed their trust and confidence in me by casting their votes during the recent BOMA elections in Franklin City, TN. Your unwavering support and participation are deeply appreciated, and I am truly honored by the faith you have placed in me.

"I extend my warmest congratulations to all the deserving winners of the election. It is my firm belief that your dedication and commitment to the betterment of Franklin City,TN will lead us to new heights of success. Please accept my best wishes for a productive and fruitful tenure ahead.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate my unwavering support for the Mayor and other esteemed winners. I, BK Muvvala, am committed to their success and the continued progress of BOMA Franklin TN. Together, I am confident that we can achieve remarkable milestones and contribute significantly to the prosperity of our community.

"Once again, I thank you for your invaluable support and extend my heartfelt wishes to all the winners for a successful and fulfilling term."

Jeff Feldman

"Today I want to tell you what I'm grateful for. I'm grateful for my lord and savior Jesus Christ who instilled in me the courage to stand up, speak out and fight for everyone in Franklin. I'm proud of the record amount of people that voted yesterday and exercised their right and their voices, thank you! I'm grateful to all the amazing people that stood up and fought on our team, sacrificed their time, lives and family to fight for what they believed in, what an honor to fight with you. I'm grateful for those that opened their homes to us and allowed our voices to be heard, thank you.

"We can all agree that no matter what side or team we are on, the world today is divided. It was so nice to see people come together for a common cause to save their city that they have passion for.

"As for me, I feel that I won. I met so many people along the way that inspired me. I'm grateful to all the new friends I've made, it's truly an honor to call you friends. I was part of a historic election, exposed corruption and issues in our city that no one spoke about and stood up to people that no one has stood up to before. That for me is the definition of winning.

"My ask of you is this, please stay strong, be inspired and stand up for what you believe in. We all must be uncomfortable in order for the light to shine and the Kingdom to thrive. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with me and supporting me. God Bless you all, God Bless Franklin and God Bless the USA."

The News also reached out to losing alderman candidates Moore and George, but did not hear back from either candidate.

Soon after, George posted the following statement on his social media accounts.

Patrick George

"It is with a grateful heart that I write this. Thank you for standing and walking with me over the last few months. So many selflessly gave their time, talents and opened their hearts and homes to me and my family. 

"Thank you for sharing your heartfelt concerns about the community we love and want to preserve. 

"The greatest joy has been meeting each and every one of you! I look forward to continuing the conversations and standing for Faith, Family and Freedom!! 

"God Bless!"

Gary Moore

Moore has not issued any statement on any of his social media pages about the race.