Incumbent Republican Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey easily won re-election to a fifth term Thursday, overwhelming independent challenger Richard Ford.
Ramsey, 67, said he was "appreciative" and "humbled" by his victory.
"We look forward to continuing our efforts to bring in jobs," Ramsey said.
Ford, 56, ran as a political outsider and an advocate of the "working people," who he said lacked a voice in county government. He had wanted to address homelessness and said he would give half of his salary to charity.
Ramsey had called his opponent a "nice guy," but said he lacked the skills to manage the county's budget or sit at the table with CEOs as they considered whether or not to locate businesses in Hamilton County.
County Mayor98.5 % Precincts reportingClaude Ramsey 36,606Richard Ford 10,229
Ramsey shares credit for the county's economic development, including luring Volkswagen to open a plant in Chattanooga.
He also has years of experience in local politics, including serving as a state representative and the Hamilton County assessor of property.
Ramsey said he will focus on education, obesity and wants to make the county a "clean, good place for us to live."
The county mayor serves as chief fiscal officer of the county and makes recommendations to the County Commission. His annual salary is $146,607.
Ramsey's fifth term begins Sept. 1.
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