University of Tennessee at Chattanooga professor Richard WilsonThe first Democrat took steps Monday to enter the 2012 race for Hamilton County mayor.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga political science professor Richard “Rick” Wilson picked up qualifying papers and announced his plan at the Hamilton County Democratic Party’s annual Estes Kefauver Dinner.
“I am available to be a candidate if there is sufficient support within the Democratic Party,” Wilson said.
A special election will be held next year to fill the remainder of former Mayor Claude Ramsey’s term, which ends in 2014. Ramsey left to become deputy governor of Tennessee in January.
The County Commission appointed Commissioner Jim Coppinger county mayor until the 2012 elections.