Hamilton County Mayoral Candidate Matt Hullander was named winner of the 2022 Straw Poll during the Hamilton County GOP's annual Lincoln Day Dinner at the Chattanooga Convention Center, featuring Congressman Chuck Fleischmann and Keynote Speaker Senator Bill Hagerty.
Results were presented before a sold-out crowd of more than 450 attendees.
Mr. Hullander received 168 votes, ahead of candidate Sabrena Smedley, who received 137 votes, and Weston Wamp, who received 79 votes.
Mr.
Wamp said, "It’s not surprising that in a room full of politicians and their friends, the candidate calling for term limits didn’t win a straw poll. If it wasn’t already clear that the good old boys favor the two county government insiders, it is now.
"Our internal polling shows a three-way, tied race that we intend to win on May 3."
Mr. Hullander said, "Last night was a great time for Hamilton County Republicans to come together as we celebrate the right to vote for leadership. I was humbled to be the winner of the straw poll and hope that those who voted for me will give me their vote at the polls. And to all those offering themselves for public office, I’d just like to offer my sincere thanks. Campaigns are tough, but after May 3, we’re all going to come together to prepare for the general election in August."
District Attorney candidate Coty Wamp received 248 votes to incumbent District Attorney General Neal Pinkston's 109 votes.
Criminal Court Judge candidate Boyd Patterson won the straw poll with 228 votes, leading Amanda Dunn, who received 68 votes, and Rebecca Stern, who received 56 votes.
Mike Dumitru won the Circuit Court Judge straw poll with 248 votes to Jim Exum's 94 votes.
"Hamilton County is humbled to have such an overwheming response to this year's straw poll," said Hamilton County GOP Chairman Arch Trimble, IV. "We sincerely appreciate all of our 2022 candidates during this primary election season and encourage everyone to early vote."
Official HCGOP Lincoln Day Dinner Results
COUNTY MAYOR
Matt Hullander: 168
Sabrena Smedley: 137
Weston Wamp: 79
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Coty Wamp: 248
Neal Pinkston: 109
CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE DIVISION III
Boyd Patterson: 228
Amanda Dunn: 68
Rebecca Stern: 56
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE DIVISION II
Mike Dumitru: 248
Jim Exum: 94