The contest for vice chairman of the County Commission was expected to be between Larry Henry and Greg Beck with Commissioner Henry having the edge.
The winner is: Jim Coppinger.
Commissioner Coppinger, a late entry, picked up support from three brand-new members of the commission.
The vote was seven for Coppinger and two for Henry.
Commissioner Henry picked up only the support of Tim Boyd, the new commissioner for District 8.
Commissioner Henry seconded the motion for his name to be entered in the contest.
Supporting Commissioner Coppinger were new Commissioners Joe Graham, Jim Fields and Chester Bankston, along with Commissioners Beck, Warren Mackey and Coppinger.
Fred Skillern, who remains as chairman, also supported Commissioner Coppinger.
Commissioner Henry moved to make the vote unanimous for Commissioner Coppinger.
The vote for Commissioner Skillern to be chairman was unanimous.
Commissioner Coppinger said he did not seek the post, but agreed to serve when approached by other commission members.
He said he was not asked whether he had any plans to run for mayor of Chattanooga in a recall election.
Commissioner Coppinger said, "My focus is on the residents in my district."
It was the first commission meeting for the four new commissioners. They went straight to the County Courthouse from the Convention Center, where a swearing-in ceremony was held.
The commission now has seven Republicans. The only remaining Democrats are Commissioners Beck and Mackey.