Human resources executive and radio personality Donna Christian-Lowe is challenging incumbent Hamilton County District 9 Commissioner Steve Highlander, R-Harrison, in the upcoming Republican primary.
The district encompasses a northeastern part of Hamilton County, including neighborhoods like Harrison and parts of Snow Hill and Birchwood. The majority of the area is made up of unincorporated territory, with the southernmost tip in the Chattanooga city limits. Highlander has held the seat for one term.
Christian-Lowe, 55, has lived in Harrison for over two decades and was raised in Hixson. She works as a human resources executive at MSi Workforce Solutions with her husband. She also hosts her own weekly radio show, where she’s called the “queen connector.”
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Her campaign finance records were not available in time for publication. All candidates were required to file records for donations and expenses from January to March by the end of Friday.
Early voting for the county primaries starts Wednesday, and election day is May 5.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press sent a questionnaire to both candidates. The answers below are in their own words.
Q: Why are you running for County Commission, and what are your qualifications?
A: I am running for County Commission because I believe District 9 deserves leadership that is visible, accessible, relevant and brings people together to solve problems and deliver real results.
I have more than 22 years of experience in human resources, executive leadership, media and community engagement across corporate organizations, small businesses and nonprofits. I have helped build and grow small businesses from idea to execution, while supporting workforce development and job readiness with employers such as Volkswagen, YAPP Automotive, TVA and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, as well as local small businesses.
My greatest strength is connecting people — bringing different perspectives together to find common ground, move forward and lead with purpose. I currently serve as board chair for the Tennessee Youth Court and the Harrison Bay Future Ready Center.
I am running to ensure District 9 is a place where people can live, work, learn, play and retire.
Q: If elected, what would be your three biggest priorities?
A: A real infrastructure plan with accountability. For too long, our district has relied on temporary fixes instead of long-term solutions. I will implement a strategic, results-driven plan that prioritizes lasting improvements — not repeated “Band-Aid” repairs — on dangerous roads like Highway 58, Snow Hill and Hunter Road.
Meaningful tax relief and senior stability. I am committed to delivering tax relief for seniors by expanding awareness and access to existing programs, while pursuing local solutions that help residents on fixed incomes remain in their homes with dignity and security.
A District 9 small business and workforce resource hub. I will work with county and community leadership to establish a District 9 small biz resource hub in partnership with HCDE (Hamilton County Department of Education), UTC (the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga), Chattanooga State and local businesses to support entrepreneurs, strengthen small business development and connect students and residents to jobs, providing workforce readiness, skills training and career pathways.
Q: What do you think is the largest challenge facing your district, and what would you do about it if elected?
A: The largest challenge facing District 9 is infrastructure that has not kept pace with growth. We are seeing continued development while relying on temporary fixes instead of long-term solutions on roads like Highway 58, Snow Hill and Hunter Road — creating serious safety concerns for residents and families. Growth is not the issue — unplanned, unsupported growth is. I support what I call smart, intentional, community-driven growth.
Smart means using data and understanding where we are today, so we are not outgrowing infrastructure. Intentional means strategic, well-planned development aligned with long-term goals. Community means residents are informed, involved and part of the process. If any part is missing, we risk ending up where we are now. If elected, I will work with county and state partners to develop a long-term plan, prioritize road improvements, improve coordination and establish a District 9 task force of homeowners, business owners, developers and real estate professionals.
(READ MORE: Hamilton County commissioners add to roads fund after questions)
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 believe the county should attract more industry, but it must be done responsibly. Industry brings jobs, strengthens our economy and helps reduce the tax burden on homeowners by expanding the tax base. Without enough industry, homeowners carry more of the load — especially seniors on fixed incomes. Attracting industry helps grow the tax base and ensures that the burden is more fairly shared.
Even as we attract industry, it must be done in a way that is smart, intentional and community-focused. We should focus on attracting industries that align with our workforce, support small businesses and fit within our infrastructure capacity.
This means planning ahead, coordinating with schools and workforce programs and making sure our roads and services can support that growth. When industry, infrastructure and planning are aligned, it creates jobs, strengthens our economy and helps protect homeowners from carrying the full weight of rising costs.
Q: Where would you increase county spending? Where would you cut it?
A: I believe responsible budgeting starts with understanding the full picture, and as a county commissioner, I would review the budget carefully before making broad decisions. Based on what I’ve heard from residents, we need to increase strategic investment in infrastructure — especially in areas like District 9 that have not kept pace with growth. This includes roads, safety improvements and ensuring infrastructure can support current residents and future development.
I also support targeted investments in workforce development, education partnerships and small business growth, as these strengthen our economy and expand the tax base.
When it comes to cutting spending, I would take a disciplined, data-driven approach, reviewing areas not aligned with safety, essential services or strategic growth, including programs that are outdated, duplicative or not delivering results.
Q: What do you think is Hamilton County’s most pressing infrastructure need? How would you respond to that need?
A: Hamilton County’s most pressing infrastructure need is improving safety while strategically expanding infrastructure to keep pace with growth. Roads like Highway 58, Snow Hill and others across the county have become safety concerns due to increased traffic, outdated design and lack of long-term planning.
We are seeing growth, but our infrastructure has not kept up. That creates congestion, hazards and puts residents at risk.
My response would be to prioritize a long-term infrastructure plan that uses real data — traffic, safety and growth — to decide what needs to be fixed first and where resources should go. This includes better coordination between county, state and local partners, as well as ensuring funding is directed where it has the greatest impact.
Infrastructure must be planned ahead of growth — not react to it — so we can protect residents and support responsible development across Hamilton County.
(READ MORE: Hamilton County Commission delays property tax freeze vote until July)
Q: Do you think your district is growing too fast or too slow? Why?
A: District 9 is not growing too fast or too slow — the real issue is that it has not grown strategically. Growth must be planned to prioritize safety, support infrastructure and include the voices of homeowners and small businesses.
In some areas, we’ve seen growth happen too quickly without the infrastructure to support it, leading to congestion and safety concerns. In others, there has been little growth, leaving communities feeling overlooked. District 9 has experienced both, which is why many residents feel it has been left behind.
I believe growth should be smart, intentional and community focused. That means using data and research to guide decisions, having a clear strategy and ensuring residents and small businesses are part of the process.
When growth is done right, it strengthens our economy, supports families and improves quality of life. My goal is to ensure District 9 grows in a way that is safe, balanced and benefits the people who live and work here.
Q: Anything else you’d like voters to know?
A: My entire career has been built on bringing people together and getting results. With more than 22 years in human resources, executive leadership, small business, nonprofit work and media, I have worked with people from all walks of life — connecting business leaders, employees, faith leaders and community members to find real solutions.
I have sat at the table with large industry, small business owners and faith leaders, understanding their challenges, building relationships and helping move ideas forward. My strength is listening, leading with integrity and bringing different perspectives together.
District 9 is unique, and it deserves leadership that reflects its people. I will be visible, accessible and a true voice for this community.
This seat belongs to the people, and I will serve with that responsibility in mind — so District 9 remains a place where people can live, work, learn, play and retire.
Contact city and county reporter Siena Duncan at sduncan@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.