Joe Smith
Republican Greg Martin has defeated independent Joe Smith in a special election for Hamilton County Commission District 3, which encompasses Hixson, Lakesite, Middle Valley and Big Ridge.
Martin could not be reached for comment Tuesday night, but Smith confirmed he called Martin to congratulate him on his victory.
Martin received 10,310 votes to Smith's 6,537 in unofficial returns.
He will serve the last two years of a term won by Marty Haynes in 2014. Haynes vacated the seat in September after his election as the county's assessor of property.
Martin, who still has two years left as the District 3 school board representative, will leave the post open to appointment by the County Commission.
"Obviously, we're disappointed, but we'll get up in the morning and keep serving," Smith said. "We're thankful for the support of so many people."
Smith, the long-time regional director of a YMCA adolescent intervention program, received endorsements from three former Republican leaders, including former county mayor and deputy governor Claude Ramsey; Martin cited endorsements from current leaders from within the district, including Haynes.
The independent candidate also challenged the party's caucus process for nominating a County Commission candidate, criticizing the number of households involved. Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Tony Sanders refuted Smith's claim, stating the District 3 caucus was represented by 33 delegates who lived in 20 households.
Martin joins the commission before it considers whether the county will contract with a private company to build and staff a new jail.
The new commissioner may help his colleagues elect a new vice chair and play a role in whether the body overturns its appointment of Chester Bankston as the commission chairman.
Hamilton County commissioners earn $22,230 a year.
Martin will be sworn in on the first county commission meeting after the Hamilton County Election Commission certifies the election results, which must occur by Nov. 28.
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@timesfreepress.com. Follow on Twitter @pleach_tfp.