The Hamilton County Republican Party is set to hold its reorganization convention on Saturday, March 1 at Hixson Middle School Gymnasium. The event, which opens its doors at 8:30 a.m., will elect new officers and shape the party’s direction for the upcoming term. However, this year’s convention has sparked controversy due to disputes over eligibility rules and accusations of unfair practices.
Two main factions have emerged ahead of the vote: the establishment-aligned slate led by former Sheriff Jim Hammond and the grassroots “Activate Hamilton” slate headed by Gail Greene.
Both sides have been actively recruiting supporters, but disagreements regarding the registration process have cast a shadow over the proceedings. Outgoing Chairman Mark Harrison accused the grassroots faction of employing “fraudulent” methods to boost attendance, a claim Ms. Greene denies. According to Ms. Greene, their approach of pre-qualifying participants based on voting history is permitted under party bylaws.
Adding to the tension are concerns over the Contest and Credentials Committee, which oversees the convention’s integrity. Allegations of conflicts of interest have arisen, with some committee members publicly supporting specific candidates. Cody Harvey, for example, resigned from the committee after endorsing Jim Hammond, citing a desire to maintain impartiality.
For many local Republicans, however, the primary issue lies in the Tennessee GOP’s eligibility rules, which some argue unfairly exclude qualified voters. One couple shared their frustration, stating that despite being “bonafide” Republicans, they are barred from voting at the convention because their address was redistributed into a Democratic precinct. Under TNGOP regulations, a precinct must have cast at least 200 votes for President Donald Trump in the last election to be eligible for representation at the convention. Critics argue that this rule disenfranchises Republican voters who live in predominantly Democratic areas, limiting their voice in party affairs.
As the convention date approaches, the debate over these rules highlights broader questions about fairness, representation and the future direction of the Republican Party in Hamilton County. The outcome of the vote will likely have lasting implications, not only for the county’s GOP leadership, but also for its grassroots activists and long-standing members who feel their voices have been sidelined.
Terri Bonfiglio