Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger has endorsed Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd in his bid to become Tennessee's next governor.
He announced his support for the Republican gubernatorial contender today at Liberty Tower in downtown Chattanooga.
"I stand before yo today in full support of Randy Boyd's challenge to become Tennessee's governor," Coppinger said, praising him for his passion and compassion in pushing state education and economic development initiatives.
Boyd said Coppinger's endorsement honored and humbled him.
"Mayors across our state prove they know how to get things done," Boyd said, citing support he has received from county and city mayors across the state.
Boyd faces four others seeking the Republican nomination for the governor's seat, including former state Sen. Mae Beavers, U.S. Rep. Diane Black, state House Speaker Beth Harwell and businessman Bill Lee.
House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh and former Nashville mayor Karl Dean seek the Democratic Party nomination for governor.
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@times freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @pleach_tfp.