Nick Wilkinson, deputy administrator of Chattanooga’s department of economic development, announced Thursday he will run as a Democratic candidate for the state’s 10th District Senate seat and vowed to fight for Insure Tennessee.
Representing the 10th District is just part of his overall mission of seeking to improve the Chattanooga area, said Wilkinson, who told his supporters he wants to increase opportunities for children, help working families get ahead and ensure that the district’s voices are heard in Nashville. Republican Todd Gardenhire now holds the seat.
“Right now, Nashville is more interested in special interests than the people they represent, and I’m running to make sure we are looking out for East Tennessee families,” Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson cited the community’s transformation through its collaborative spirit and strong leadership as his inspiration when he grew up in Chattanooga and when he returned to the city to work in education.
“Supporting great teachers can have a tremendous difference in the outcome of young people,” he said. “I worked tirelessly to make that happen, and I plan to work even harder in Nashville supporting our children and their education.”