Republican Ken Smith will seek another term on the Hamilton County Commission in 2026 after spending four years in his current seat.
Smith, 53, was first appointed to the commission in 2022 to represent the district that included Lakesite, Hixson and Middle Valley. The seat was left empty after Greg Martin stepped away to serve in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Smith then ran for the seat uncontested in 2024.
Smith has touted his opposition to multiple high density developments in his district, listing their cancellations as one of his accomplishments in a Monday news release. Most recently, Smith voted no on Plan Hamilton — the county’s road map for where development will go in the unincorporated areas of the county — because it would have placed strain on roads, schools and public services in his district, the news release read.
“I’ve worked hard to listen to the concerns of our residents, fight against high-density developments in our unincorporated areas and make sure growth and development do not come at the expense of our neighborhoods, public schools, roads and other infrastructure, or quality of life,” Smith said in the news release.
He also sees his support for schools in his district as one of his achievements, including plans for the new North River Elementary School, set to open in Hixson in 2027. He listed projects like a turf field for Hixson High School and a gym for McConnell Elementary School as areas where he successfully advocated for funding, according to the news release.
Smith has served as chair of the Hamilton County Commission since September, unanimously appointed by his fellow commissioners. Prior to his term on the County Commission, he served for over a decade on the Chattanooga City Council. He held a seat on both bodies simultaneously after his 2022 appointment up until earlier this year, when his council successor, Jeff Davis, took office.
“My focus has always been on practical results that serve the people who live here,” Smith said. “Every one of these projects started with a need or concern raised by our community.”
No one has announced a bid to challenge Smith so far.
— Compiled by Siena Duncan