Esther Helton seeks District 30 representative seat

Esther Helton
Esther Helton

East Ridge City Council- woman Esther Helton has announced she is seeking the Republican nomination for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 30 seat.

District 30 includes portions of Apison, Brainerd, Collegedale, East Brainerd, East Lake, East Ridge, Missionary Ridge and Ooltewah.

"Good government is not rare in Tennessee, but sometimes common sense and logic are," Helton said. "Whether serving patients as a nurse or constituents as a council member, I listen first and look for common-sense solutions. I'm a big believer in working for the voters whose budgets get tighter each year instead of for a set of talking points."

Helton touts her "pro- business, balanced budget" platform while serving on the East Ridge City Council, citing her work to boost business growth and job creation associated with Interstate 75 Exit 1 construction and economic development projects.

photo Esther Helton

Marc Gravitt, who holds the seat, has announced he will not seek re-election and instead will run for Hamilton County register of deeds in the Republican primary in May.

She said Gravitt has provided "effective representation" while holding the District 30 seat.

"I will continue to prioritize the needs of the fastest-growing area in our county that balances growth, public safety, residential needs and the value to our neighborhoods," Helton said. "The next few years are critical for this area of our county. I will be proactive on behalf of my neighbors standing on my conservative record."

Helton, who has worked 35 years as a nurse, is the second person to announce candidacy for the District 30 seat. Jonathan Mason of East Brainerd last week announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination.

Certified public accountant Zach Hutcherson serves as the treasurer for Helton's campaign committee.

Helton is an active member of Graceworks Church, the East Ridge Optimist Club and East Ridge Alumni Association. She has three grown children and five grandchildren.

The Republican primary election will be on Aug. 2, 2018.

Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @pleach_tfp.

Upcoming Events