Outgoing U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp said Saturday that he’s not interested in running for Hamilton County mayor and he’s supporting current Mayor Claude Ramsey’s cousin and special assistant, Mike Carter, for the post.
Ramsey is leaving to become deputy governor for Bill Haslam, who will be inaugurated Jan. 15.
Wamp, who lost a Republican bid for governor, said in a tweet Saturday morning that he will be returning to the private sector Jan. 3.
Wamp said Ramsey “set high standard” in his first tweet Saturday, then endorsed Carter, a former Hamilton County General Sessions judge, The Associated Press reported.
In a news release later Saturday, Wamp cited Carter’s “body of experience as a respected judge, civic leader and successful businessman” and his “integrity, faith and dedication to the highest quality public service possible.”
Wamp’s name came up as a possible candidate for county mayor on Friday.
Other names mentioned as possible Ramsey replacements include state Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson; County Trustee Bill Hullander and County Commissioners Jim Coppinger and Larry Henry.