David Sharpe
County Mayor Jim Coppinger and Sheriff Jim Hammond took solid election wins.
However, County Commission veteran Joe Graham was toppled by newcomer David Sharpe, who received strong backing from the UnifiEd PAC.
Incumbent Greg Martin won the District 3 commission race over Rosabelle Gorman.
Former school board member Chip Baker defeated Elizabeth Baker for the District 2 seat being vacated by Jim Fields.
The Republican advantage on the County Commission shifts from 7-2 to 6-3.
State Rep. Marc Gravitt defeated Vickie Schroyer for register of deeds. Ms. Schroyer is a longtime employee. Pam Hurst is retiring.
Mr. Sharpe said he had a strong pro-public education platform and waged a dominant grassroots campaign, personally knocking on more than 3,000 doors in neighborhoods across District 6.
He gave this statement to supporters gathered at Big River Grille & Brewing Works in downtown Chattanooga on Election Night:
“I am humbled by the support we received from friends and neighbors all across District 6. I am proud of the campaign we ran and I want to thank each and every person who supported our effort. During this campaign I engaged with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents and they all agreed that we must make public education a true priority in Hamilton County. I am encouraged by the progress we have made during this campaign. I am incredibly grateful for the people in District 6 who have faith in my ability to address the issues we face head-on."
Jonas Barriere of the UnifiEd PAC said, “For too long, the words 'ensuring a quality education for all children' have been spoken and not followed up with actions. This election has shown that community engagement brings greater clarity and accountability in choosing elected officials who will take action. The majority of candidates for Hamilton County Mayor, Commission, and School Board ran to improve our schools and the voters of Hamilton County rewarded those who openly campaigned on improving public education. Now that the election is over, it is time to unite behind our newly elected officials and come together to improve public education for every child.”
Jim Coppinger said, "I would like to take a moment to thank all who voted in Thursday’s election, our ability to vote is one of the most precious rights we have as citizens.
"To those who supported me with a vote, you have my deepest appreciation. I will work hard over the next four years as we move forward to justify your belief in our vision.
"To every resident of Hamilton County, I promise to continue to work every day to bring success to our county. We have worked hard to improve our education system, we have invested 38.5 million dollars new dollars in school funding since 20011. We have committed 252.1 million dollars in capital projects over the last seven and half years. Sixty-four percent of your county’ government’s budget goes to education to train our young students for the jobs that we work every day to bring to this county. Our relentless effort to create new jobs, expand existing businesses and to make Hamilton County the community people choose to live, work, play and retire will continue.
"We will maintain our disciplined, fiscal approach that allows us to have three AAA bond ratings that enable us to build new schools, plan for a new sewer treatment plant and embrace the growing population that is predicted for us over the next decade. I hope you will all join me as we work together every day to make Hamilton County an even better community, I do believe our best days are ahead of us."
Aloyse Brown said as she conceded, “This evening, our hard-fought and energetic campaign calling for change in Hamilton County has come to a close. While the end result was short of what we had hoped, I remain inspired by the endless possibilities for prosperity, equality, and opportunity that continues in our community.
“Jim Coppinger is a good and capable man, and a true son of Hamilton County. Tonight he has before him an incredible opportunity to seize this moment and further commit to public school success, government transparency, innovative policies, and a dynamic economy.
“To the citizens of Hamilton County, I call on all of us to remember that we can make a difference after elections are over, too. The same vision for a better Hamilton County that drew us to the voting booth this year should inspire us to stay involved, hold each other accountable, and sustain the spirit of our campaign.
“As I’ve said many times over the last few months, there is no place in America better poised to give itself a better tomorrow than Hamilton County, Tennessee. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish, together, in the next four years.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Out of 196,864 eligible voters, 57,053 voted.
County Clerk Bill Knowles was again the top vote-getter with 42,805. Trustee Bill Hullander received 40,750. Circuit Court Clerk Larry Henry had 39,490. Vince Dean, Criminal Court clerk, received 38,944. Juvenile Court Clerk Gary Behler had 38,574.
County Clerk Knowles won re-election to his 12th four-year term. He thanked voters and said, “With Almighty God’s help I will continue serving Hamilton County taxpayers to the best of my ability.”
County Mayor
Jim Coppinger (R) 33576
Aloyse Brown (D) 22,045
County Commission District 2
Chip Baker (R) 4,355
Elizabeth Baker (D) 3,294
County Commission District 3
Greg Martin (R) 5,156
Rosabelle Gorman (D) 2,059
County Commission District 4
Warren Mackey (D) 2,535
Christopher Dahl (I) 565
County Commission District 6
David Sharpe (D) 3,439
Joe Graham (R) 2,710
Sheriff
Jim Hammond (R) 34,650
Victor Miller (D) 20,761
Register of Deeds
Marc Gravitt (R) 30,725
Vickie Schroyer (D) 23,310
Mayor Andy Berke makes an appearance at a Democratic election event