Politics - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Hamilton County Commission approves yearlong data center moratorium

Hamilton County will go through a one-year moratorium on data centers after the County Commission approved the plan.

By Siena Duncan July 15, 2026

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter / Hamilton County Commissioner Jeff Eversole speaks with County Mayor Weston Wamp prior to a commission meeting July 15, 2026. The commission voted unanimously to pass a one-year moratorium on data centers in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County.

Two Democratic candidates competing in primary for state House District 26

Two Democratic candidates, Nathan B. Denton and Lucian LaFae, will appear on the ballot for the Tennessee House District 26.

By Ruby Rayner July 15, 2026

Staff File Photo By Matt Hamilton / Flags adorn the panels separating potential voters at the voting location at the Commons in Collegedale.

Hamilton County to look at purchasing Apison land for new park, sports fields

Hamilton County is aiming to purchase acreage in Apison and turn it into a park, County Mayor Weston Wamp said at a Wednesday press conference.

By Siena Duncan July 15, 2026

Staff photo by Larry Sullivan II / Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, right, speaks at a press conference at the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department in Apison on July 15, 2026.

Constitutional conservative and Reagan-era Republican vie for Tennessee state House seat

In the only competitive Republican primary for the state House, incumbent Tennessee state Rep. Michele Reneau of Hixson and challenger Tony Hullender of Signal Mountain will appear on the Aug. 6 ballot for Tennessee District 27.

By Ruby Rayner July 14, 2026

Staff file Photo by Seth Carpenter / Republican challenger Tony Hullender, left, speaks beside David Queen and his opponent, state Rep. Michele Reneau, during a Q&A with the North River Pachyderm Club on June 11, 2026, at the Creek's Bend Gold Course. Hullender is currently running to unseat Reneau.

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Former Chattanooga-Hamilton planning chair addresses county mayor’s comments

‘We don’t need a developer leading the Planning Commission,’ Wamp says

By Raymon Troncoso July 13, 2026

Staff file Photo by Seth Carpenter / Chattanooga-Hamilton County Planning Commission Chair Ethan Collier, center, speaks during a hearing. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly did not reappoint Collier to the position, which he has held for 12 years. Vice Chair Chris Anderson, right, will serve as interim chair.

Democrats face off for chance to unseat Fleischmann

Two Democratic candidates will face off in the Aug. 6 primary, seeking to run in the general election to represent Hamilton County in the U.S. House.

By Ruby Rayner July 13, 2026

Staff collage photo / Two Democratic candidates, Bryan Martin (left) and Anna Golladay (right), will face off in the Aug. 6 primary, seeking to run in the general election to represent Hamilton County in the U.S. House.

Vince Dean says Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk’s Office requires management skills

Vince Dean said the office of Hamilton County Criminal Court clerk isn't glitzy or glamorous. However, as he seeks his fourth term in the clerk's seat, Dean said individuals can pay a high price if the office is run poorly.

By Mason Edwards July 12, 2026

Contributed photo / Vince Dean, a Republican, is seeking a fourth term in the office of Hamilton County Criminal Court clerk. The office oversees 58 employees responsible for maintaining records and collecting court costs.

Aaliyah Hakeem wants trust, new teams in Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk’s Office

The Democratic challenger for Hamilton County Criminal court clerk, Aaliyah Hakeem, said she has new ideas for the office but would first meet with key stakeholders.

By Mason Edwards July 12, 2026

Contributed photo / Aaliyah Hakeem, a Democrat, is challenging longtime incumbent Vince Dean for the office of Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk. The office oversees 58 employees responsible for maintaining records and collecting court costs.

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp running for second term, wants to continue working on school projects

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is looking to complete his long-term projects in a second term and then step back, he said in an interview.

By Siena Duncan July 11, 2026

Mark Herndon running to bring more transparency, education funding to Hamilton County

Mark Herndon is running for mayor to bring residents of Hamilton County into the everyday decisions of government, he said in an interview.