Hamilton County Commissioner Jeff Eversole, R-Ooltewah, is running for a second four-year term for his District 10 seat.
The district encompasses an eastern section of Hamilton County, including unincorporated communities like Ooltewah, Georgetown and Snow Hill, as well as the city of Collegedale. Eversole will face Republican challenger Tonya Sadler, vice mayor of Collegedale, in the May primary.
(READ MORE: Challenger Tonya Sadler wants collaboration with schools)
Eversole, 60, has lived with his wife in Ooltewah for the past 30 years. He grew up in Kentucky and attended Eastern Kentucky University, eventually working as a Walmart executive overseeing store operations in Southeast Tennessee. He is now retired.
At the beginning of 2026, Eversole had about $75,000 in campaign funds on hand. Recent notable donors include Urban Story Ventures CEO Jimmy White, developer of the ongoing project The Bend, and developer John Thornton, who built a 2,250-home subdivision on Aetna Mountain. White gave $1,000, and Thornton gave $1,900.
McKee family members — owners of McKee Foods, which makes Little Debbie snacks and is headquartered in Collegedale — have given Eversole $4,800 this election cycle.
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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. The answers below are in their own words.
Q: Why are you running for County Commission, and what are your qualifications?
A: I’m running for County Commission to continue serving the people of Hamilton County and to build on the progress we’ve made during my first term. I’ve spent my time in office focused on listening to residents, being present in District 10 and the county, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect the community’s needs. As chair of the Finance Committee, I’ve gained valuable experience managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, while also leading efforts on key initiatives like reducing density in development and working to establish the Unincorporated Hamilton County Planning Department. I believe in transparent, accountable leadership, and I’m committed to continuing that work.
Q: If elected, what would be your three biggest priorities?
A: My top priorities are responsible growth, fiscal responsibility and strengthening our local economy. I will continue pushing for smart development policies that protect our communities while allowing for sustainable growth. I’ll remain focused on being a good steward of taxpayer dollars by prioritizing essential services and finding efficiencies wherever possible. And I will support economic development that brings quality, livable-wage jobs to Hamilton County without overburdening our infrastructure or raising taxes.
Q: What do you think is the largest challenge facing your district, and what would you do about it if elected?
A: The biggest challenge facing District 10 is managing rapid growth. Development is happening quickly, and we have to make sure our infrastructure, roads and emergency services can keep up. That’s why I’ve worked to reduce housing density and helped to create the Unincorporated Hamilton County Planning Department. When reelected, I will continue focusing on policies that ensure growth is balanced, responsible and aligned with the needs of our residents.
(READ MORE: Amendments to Plan Hamilton changes get commission OK)
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, but it has to be done the right way. We should focus on attracting industries that provide livable wages and long-term stability for our residents. Economic development should support and strengthen our local workforce while respecting the character of our community. That means being strategic about the types of businesses we recruit and ensuring our infrastructure can support that growth.
Q: Where would you increase county spending? Where would you cut it?
A: I would prioritize spending on infrastructure like roads and bridges, as well as public safety and emergency services, because those directly impact residents’ daily lives. On the other hand, I will continue to look for efficiencies across government operations to reduce unnecessary spending. As Finance Committee chairman, I believe we can make government work better while spending smarter.
Q: What do you think is Hamilton County’s most pressing infrastructure need? How would you respond to that need?
A: One of our most pressing needs is ensuring that our roads are safe and keep pace with rapid growth. Too often, development moves faster than our ability to support it. That’s why I’ve focused on reducing density and advocating for better planning tools. Moving forward, I’ll continue to prioritize infrastructure and road investments and support planning efforts that align growth with our capacity to serve residents effectively.
(READ MORE: Wamp proposes diverting Hilltop Drive funds to new road projects. See what they are)
Q: Do you think your district is growing too fast or too slow? Why?
A: Our district is growing quickly, along with the rest of the county, and while growth can be a good thing, it has to be managed carefully. Right now, the pace of development is a challenge because it can overburden infrastructure and impact quality of life. That’s why I’ve taken the necessary steps to manage growth more efficiently, ensuring it benefits residents rather than overwhelms our schools and emergency services.
Q: Anything else you’d like voters to know?
A: I care deeply about this community and the people who call it home. I’ve never forgotten that I work for YOU. I’ve made it a priority to be accessible, to listen and to show up for residents, whether that’s knocking on doors or working through policy decisions. I’m committed to protecting our quality of life, being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and continuing to serve with integrity and transparency.
Contact city and county reporter Siena Duncan at sduncan@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.
