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Opinion: Chattanooga Free Press endorses Mike Chauncey for Hamilton County Commission District 8

Staff photo by Abby White / Hamilton County Commissioner Mike Chauncey speaks during the meeting. The Hamilton County Commission held their weekly meeting at the Hamilton County Courthouse on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 where they voted on Plan Hamilton.
Staff photo by Abby White / Hamilton County Commissioner Mike Chauncey speaks during the meeting. The Hamilton County Commission held their weekly meeting at the Hamilton County Courthouse on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 where they voted on Plan Hamilton.

Editor’s note: Read all Free Press endorsements for Hamilton County Commission in the Aug. 6 election here.

Six of the 11 Hamilton County Commission seats will be decided in the upcoming Aug. 6 election. Four candidates — Warren Mackey in District 4, Katherlyn Geter in District 5, Steve Highlander in District 9 and Jeff Eversole in District 10 — won primary elections in May and have no August opponent. Ken Smith in District 3 had no primary or general election foe.

Of the remaining six spots, we suggest voters keep what they’ve got. We believe all six incumbents would provide better leadership than their competent challengers, who nevertheless should be complimented for offering an alternative.

Early voting starts Friday and runs through Aug. 1.

District 8 — Mike Chauncey: The Republican Realtor is seeking a second term on the commission after serving on the East Ridge Planning Commission and on the East Ridge City Council, including two years as vice mayor. We feel his background commends him for a second term over his Democratic opponent, Joshua Wichman.