Incumbent Hamilton County Commissioner Chip Baker, R-Signal Mountain, has held his seat for two four-year terms and is now running for a third.
He’ll face Republican challenger Brad Wardlaw for the District 2 seat that represents an area encompassing Signal Mountain and Walden, and stretches as far as Mowbray Mountain.
Baker, 68, lives with his wife near the Applewood neighborhood in unincorporated Hamilton County, and he has lived in that Signal Mountain area for over 30 years. His four children were raised in Hamilton County.
Baker has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Wooster and a master’s degree in hospital administration from George Washington University. He works as a management consultant.
At the beginning of 2026, Baker had about $40,000 on hand in campaign donations. His most recent large donations have come from U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Ooltewah, former Chattanooga Mayor Jon Kinsey, Georgia Home Health Services CEO Tom Poteet and attorney Steve Jacoway, who each gave him about $1,000.
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Early voting for the county primaries starts April 15, and election day is May 5.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press sent a questionnaire to both candidates in the race. Their answers below are in their own words.
Q: Why are you running for County Commission, and what are your qualifications?
A: My wife and I moved here 34 years ago to run Children’s Hospital. We did not know anyone and were immediately embraced by the community. Four children later, we realized that there was a need for a high school on Signal Mountain, and I was asked to run for the school board. This was a community driven process which I lead.
(READ MORE: Brad Wardlaw wants to help Hamilton County manage growth proactively)
After spending 12 years on the Board of Education, I realized I could make a difference. As a business person with 40 years of management experience (20 in hospitals and 20 in event management), I bring a special set of skill sets. For the past six years, I have been teaching management to our future community leaders.
I do public service as a way to say thank you for the wonderful life we have had here and to make a difference for future generations.
Q: If elected, what would be your three biggest priorities?
A: Specific to District 2, our No. 1 need is responsible growth. In March, I was a key factor in separating the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) from Chattanooga. Both needs (i.e. county and city) are very different and should be handled specifically by the respective district.
We need a roads and sewers plan that makes sense and is developed strategically, logistically and financially
Economic growth is very important, and our working relationship with the Chamber of Commerce is key. Over the last eight years, we have added 5,000 jobs, directly attributable to our economic growth.
Lastly, school growth needs to match the community needs.
(READ MORE: Amendments to Plan Hamilton changes get commission OK)
Q: What do you think is the largest challenge facing your district, and what would you do about it if elected?
A: As mentioned, it is smart growth. I am in the middle of shaping a new Regional Planning Agency that will focus on the specific needs of District 2. This includes the needs for roads, schools, Sheriff’s Office, fire and sewers.
Q: Do you think the county needs to attract more industry to the area? Why or why not, and how should that be done?
A: Yes. I have a very strong and effective relationship with the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. They are our economic development arm, working closely with the mayor, his staff and the County Commission. We have land opportunities for industry as well as other opportunities with the new developments at the Broad Street District and The Bend.
Q: Where would you increase county spending? Where would you cut it?
A: I would increase spending on roads and sewers. Our volunteer fire departments work on a shoestring and do a very efficient job.
I have long espoused that we should not have two animal care centers. There are many efficiencies that could be gained with some level of combined services
Our county, when compared to our peers, is well managed.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga back to square one searching for major industrial sites)
Q: What do you think is Hamilton County’s most pressing infrastructure need? How would you respond to that need?
A: Roads, schools and sewers. We should look at different funding mechanisms that includes the developers to offset and partner on these needs.
Schools are a huge need. In District 2, we have schools that are Tier 1, which means they are at capacity.
Do you think your district is growing too fast or too slow? Why?
A: Our county growth is about 1%, which is not a lot. However, the way we handle that growth must be managed better so we have adequate roads, sewers, law enforcement, fire protection and schools.
(READ MORE: Wamp proposes diverting Hilltop Drive funds to new road projects. See what they are)
Q: Anything else you’d like voters to know?
A: My strength is my ability to work with people. I have managed people and businesses for more than 40 years. I love working with people and am accessible by following up and solving their problems. That is my greatest strength and passion!
Contact city and county reporter Siena Duncan at sduncan@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.
