Hamilton County Commission Chair Sabrena Smedley, R-Ooltewah, is considering a run for county mayor, she said on Thursday, one day after Mayor Jim Coppinger announced he will not run for reelection in 2022.
(READ MORE: Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger announces he won't seek re-election)
"Following the mayor's announcement yesterday, I received numerous calls, texts and emails from folks encouraging me to consider running to be the next Hamilton County mayor. I am honored and humbled that so many folks reached out and asked me to consider this important leadership position," she said in a statement. "I will continue to actively talk with my family, constituents and peers and strongly consider this leadership opportunity. I am confident that I will be able to fulfill any future role in which God calls me to serve."
Smedley said working with Coppinger has been a privilege.
(READ MORE: Hamilton County Commission appoints new chairwoman)
"As chairman of the county commission, I have had the honor and important responsibility of leading the commission forward to conduct the essential business of the county alongside the mayor, and I am proud of all the great things we have achieved," she said. "Together, we have maintained the highest fiscal position with a Triple-A bond rating, supported public education, invested in critical infrastructure needs, supported new and local businesses with a focus on increased job opportunities for the residents of Hamilton County, and the list goes on."
A few other potential candidates for county mayor have emerged since Coppinger made his announcement on Wednesday - including Tennessee state Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, and Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Martin, R-Hixson. Only Weston Wamp, founder of the Millennial Debt Foundation and son of former U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tennessee, has confirmed that he is running.
Contact Kelcey Caulder at kcaulder@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6327. Follow her on Twitter @kelceycaulder.