Hamilton County general election
The Hamilton County general election was on Aug. 1. Voters picked their school board representatives, judges, and the person who values their house. Unlike the primary races, the general election winners will take office — they don’t have to run again in November.
You can find complete election results through the Hamilton County Election Commission.
Chattamatters sent the same three questions to every candidate, but some candidates did not submit a response.
Here’s who appeared on the Aug. 1 ballot. Winners are marked with a yellow check mark.
Circuit Court Judge, Div. 3
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Hears only civil cases, which range from divorce to personal injury to major corporate contract disputes. Also handles appeals on civil matters from General Sessions Court. Eight-year term.
Republican candidate
Alex McVeagh
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I believe that I possess the experience, knowledge and temperament necessary to be Hamilton County’s next state-level Circuit Court judge. I understand the importance of upholding the state and federal constitutions, treating every litigant fairly, and applying the law consistently and as intended by our legislators. I have served Hamilton County citizens as their county judge for the last seven years, and have personally presided over an estimated 80,000 cases, and helped to start our county’s misdemeanor drug recovery court. Prior to taking the bench, I represented companies and individuals as a licensed Tennessee and Georgia lawyer, litigating cases in local, county, state and federal courts across the country. Finally, a 2022 poll of Hamilton County lawyers who practice before all local judges rated me as one of our county’s top judges in terms of moral character, legal ability, diligence and judicial temperament.
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My top priority as judge is to uphold the constitution and apply the laws consistently and fairly in my court, regardless of the particular litigant in front of me. I will also work to ensure that every person has equal access to justice in my court (as well as other courts throughout the county and state). I am the former Vice Chair of the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission, where I helped implement initiatives such as voluntary medical debt online dispute resolution and eviction mediation programs in Hamilton County. I also serve on Hamilton County’s accountability court steering committee, on its court modernization and judicial innovation working groups, and on the Tennessee Supreme Court’s electronic filing committee, where I help implement electronic filing across Tennessee. I will continue to work to implement and expand these important programs and initiatives in Circuit Court.
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I will work to ensure that every constituent not only has access to justice in my court, but also that they have access to relevant court data and information, and can easily navigate an otherwise confusing court system. We must also encourage mediation and online dispute resolution to allow individuals to resolve their disputes without incurring thousands of dollars in additional fees and months of delayed justice. We must allow for better access to our courts through more online/zoom participation in court hearings, electronic filing, and a better court scheduling system that allows for more flexibility around litigants’ work schedules. It is time that our courts start better serving the citizens of Hamilton County as opposed to always demanding that our citizens work to serve the courts. I hope to help our courts modernize while also remaining true to our rules, procedures, laws, and state and federal constitutions.
Democratic candidate
Kisha L. Cheeks
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Selecting Kisha Cheeks as your candidate for Circuit Court Division III represents a belief that experience and representation matters. I have over 13 years of actual circuit court experience, practicing in circuit court on the types of cases that I will hear as a judge. I have represented individuals, families, and businesses in a variety of legal matters such as contract disputes, divorces, custody matters, domestic disputes, car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, wrongful death, negligence cases and more. Equally as important as my extensive legal experience, is the fact that I represent the diversity of the community in which I would serve, Hamilton County. I am a native of Chattanooga, Hixson High School graduate, wife, mother of two, third generation business owner, community volunteer, youth mentor and believer that every citizen should have faith in our court system that they will be treated fairly, and a just decision will be made no matter who you are, what you look like, where you live or how much money you have.
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Public confidence in our governing bodies, justice system, and other U.S. institutions continues to reach new historical lows. It is important now more than ever that judges uphold their responsibility to Hamilton County residents and reassure them that our circuit courts here in Hamilton County are fair and just. Hamilton County citizens can and should have faith in our state judicial system and believe that every party relying on our courts to help them with a legal dispute will be treated fairly and receive a just ruling, founded within our state laws. No exceptions allowed. There is no place in circuit court, or any court, for bias or differences in how the law is applied, just people in need of legal help.
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A lot of the time, a courtroom is one of the last places people want to come or get involved until their presence is required. A significant portion of the conversations I’ve had while campaigning is spent educating people on the kinds of cases Circuit Court Judges hear. One of my top priorities would be to ensure transparency in our legal system, by providing clear and accessible information about courtroom procedures, as well as using technology to make case filings more efficient; giving time and cost savings back to residents. Most importantly, I believe it’s crucial for judges to be active in the community year around, not just during election seasons. This encourages familiarity and trust among Hamilton County citizens, while helping to alleviate the anxiety people may feel about courts and empowering them to use the court system the way it was designed— to ensure fairness and justice for us all.
Criminal Court Judge, Division 2
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Oversees all criminal cases that are formally indicted in Hamilton County, including misdemeanors, and felonies. Reads criminal charges to defendants, makes decisions regarding jury trials, and determines sentences following conviction. Also handles appeals from the General Sessions Court. Eight-year term.
Republican candidate
Amanda B. Dunn
Did not respond to questionnaire
No opponent
Candidates running unopposed, like Amanda Dunn, do not face a challenger from another political party. For this race, voters will have the option to either choose Dunn or write in the name of someone else they would prefer to hold the office.
Hamilton County Commission, District 3
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Represents residents in Hixson and some neighboring areas. One of 11 votes controlling the Hamilton County budget, including that of Hamilton County Schools, and directing policy for various county departments, from the Sheriff’s Office and county jail to the Health Department. Four-year term.
Republican candidate
Ken Smith
Did not respond to questionnaire
No opponent
Candidates running unopposed, like Ken Smith, do not face a challenger from another political party. For this race, voters will have the option to either choose Smith or write in the name of someone else they would prefer to hold the office.
Hamilton County Assessor of Property
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Determines the value of all property in Hamilton County every four years, which affects how much home and business owners pay in property taxes. Four-year term.
Republican candidate
Marty Haynes
Did not respond to questionnaire
No opponent
Candidates running unopposed, like Marty Haynes, do not face a challenger from another political party. For this race, voters will have the option to either choose Haynes or write in the name of someone else they would prefer to hold the office.
Hamilton County School Board, District 1
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The 11-member school board has the power to hire and fire the superintendent, craft policy for all Hamilton County Schools and, with the district administration, pass an annual budget for final approval from the county commission. Four-year term.
Republican candidate
Steve Slater
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I have been involved with students and schools since 1970. Served in PTA’s in Soddy Daisy schools and even built the former playground at Soddy Elementary. I have supported District 1 schools in every capacity and headed up the SD Trojan Fund to help students.
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A few priorities are to improve facilities, retain good teachers and pay them well, and make academics the main issue to educate our children.
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I have had two town hall meetings already. I will have those while serving to give parents and taxpayers the opportunity to speak and ask questions. After all, that is who I will be working for.
Democratic candidate
Tammy Barnes
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I am a mom, a healthcare worker, a community volunteer, and a substitute teacher. My three boys have all attended District 1 schools. For the past twenty years, I have been an active parent in District 1. My youngest son is a rising 9th grader and I plan to continue volunteering for many years. From sports boosters to dress codes and from standardized tests to parent emails, I am well-versed in the workings of our schools and I care deeply about our community and our schools.
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I will immediately address the budget in hopes of making us a more fiscally responsible district. I will work to ensure that your tax money goes where it is most needed - to our students and teachers in the classrooms.
I will be a champion for our educators, both faculty and staff, by advocating for continued support and increased pay. Teacher retention and recruitment will be a focus of my service. Our community deserves the best educators and they deserve to be recognized for their value.
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It is not always possible for members of the community to attend commission meetings and school board meetings. My goal as the District 1 school board representative will be to share all relevant information and decisions that will impact them. I will utilize technology in order to disseminate information effectively. I will also host regular listening sessions and form an advisory committee so that I will stay in touch with teachers and members of the community.
Hamilton County School Board, District 2
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The 11-member school board has the power to hire and fire the superintendent, craft policy for all Hamilton County Schools and, with the district administration, pass an annual budget for final approval from the county commission. Four-year term.
Republican candidate
Ben Daugherty
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As a lifetime resident of District 2, I have a strong understanding of what families value in our community and as an engaged father of 4 children, my heart is to work to give my kids, and all kids, the best future possible in our public education system. Like many families, I too have chosen to raise my own children in our District 2 community. My fundamental goal is to provide parents with total peace of mind in their children's K-12 Education, so that they don't have to pay the high cost of a private school tuition. This combined with my budgetary business experience, leadership capabilities, and the opportunity I had to serve on the "parental advisory council" over the last year in helping shape the Counties 10-year strategic plan, Opportunity 2030; makes me the best representative of our community.
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Develop a comprehensive growth plan for district 2 that will prioritize much needed maintenance and repairs in Thrasher and address the high growth rate in our local community schools. As a top performing district, we will always have a high volume of families moving in. We must manage growth in a fiscally responsible manner.
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My job as your next school board member is to be the bridge to proper communication and to be a conduit between parents and central office, in order to ensure that we are listening and prioritizing what parents want and desire out of their children's public education system. We must deliver an education experience that meets the high standard of excellence that families in District 2 deserve. To make it easier for constituents to participate in government, I will hold quarterly forums for any residents in District 2 to come and voice their concerns or suggestions around our public education system. My goal as your next school board member is to be a consistent voice of reason that brings the best ideas to the table in order to help develop the brightest future for my children, and all our children in District 2 and Hamilton County.
Independent candidate
Crystal Boehm
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One reason I believe I'm the best choice to represent district 2 on the Hamilton County School Board is because I have been in our schools as a substitute teacher for the last 4 years. I've listened to our teachers and heard their struggles and I've seen first hand some of the needs in our schools. As a public school graduate myself, I am very passionate about providing the best public education for all 45,000 students in HCS.
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My top priority would be teacher retention and attracting new talent to education. 20% of our teachers are not returning each year and 30% less people are graduating with degrees in education. We need to support our teachers more, increase salaries and allow our teachers to TEACH!
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Providing more education is paramount in getting people involved in government. I think there are a lot of people who are passionate about their communities and want to help but they're not sure how. Teaching people the importance of local elections and the impact local government makes on our daily lives can help persuade more people to get involved. I decided to run for school board after finding out how vital these positions are in having great public education!
Hamilton County School Board, District 4
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The 11-member school board has the power to hire and fire the superintendent, craft policy for all Hamilton County Schools and, with the district administration, pass an annual budget for final approval from the county commission. Four-year term.
Democratic candidate
Jackie Anderson-Thomas
Did not respond to questionnaire
No opponent
Candidates running unopposed, like Jackie Anderson-Thomas, do not face a challenger from another political party. For this race, voters will have the option to either choose Anderson-Thomas or write in the name of someone else they would prefer to hold the office.
Hamilton County School Board, District 7
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The 11-member school board has the power to hire and fire the superintendent, craft policy for all Hamilton County Schools and, with the district administration, pass an annual budget for final approval from the county commission. Four-year term.
Republican candidate
Jodi Schaffer
Did not respond to questionnaire
Independent candidate
David Sean Kelman
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I've spent 15 years teaching and coaching for Hamilton County Schools. We've lived in District 7 for 17 years. One daughter just graduated from East Hamilton, and the other is in high school. Thanks to my years of service and community advocacy, I know parents, teachers, and coaches across District 7 and the county. I have a record of problem solving in engineering and education.
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Attract and retain professional talent in our schools. We can do better with this by empowering teachers to meet student needs flexibly, by supporting teachers and students through making every decision with a full focus and understanding of what our families and professionals deal with day to day, and by better incentivizing access to and sponsorship of extracurricular activities.
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Although recent improvements to board meeting schedules and agendas help constituents stay invested, some part of the county have trouble reaching board meetings. District 7 families are relatively favorably positioned, but they same is not true for all areas. We should explore holding some school board sessions at the old city schools board room on W. 40th Street.
Hamilton County School Board, District 10
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The 11-member school board has the power to hire and fire the superintendent, craft policy for all Hamilton County Schools and, with the district administration, pass an annual budget for final approval from the county commission. Four-year term.
Republican candidate
Felice Hadden
Did not respond to questionnaire
Democratic candidate
Angie Stone Jackson
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I have a deep desire to create a culture of support for our teachers. Right now they are stressed, overworked, and feel unappreciated. We have to change our school atmosphere for our students to thrive. I'll bring issues to the board that hit at the heart of this goal. I understand how vital a stable school environment is for our kids to succeed in their academic career and will bring issues to the board that aim to improve conditions for students and teachers.
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Coming from a place to improve teachers' work life and experiences, I'll first establish an advisory committee of teachers and parents to meet with every 2 weeks or once monthly, whatever works best for teachers. The only way to know if policies are working or failing, understand if current events are impacting classrooms, if discipline plans are in place and working, etc., is to hear directly from teachers and parents. Another thing I want to address right away is the amount of testing happening at schools and look at what we can do away with. I've heard from teachers and parents that not only does so much testing stress teachers out but it's stressful on kids too. Teachers feel they are "teaching to the test and not the text". I'm told there is no room to address individual student needs.
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This is where I'll start... I'll do my best to encourage the school board to change the time for the public to address the board. Currently, if teachers or community members want to speak to the school board, they have to be present by 4:30 PM on a Thursday. Most people are working at this time and it's not reasonable for teachers to make. Also, when there are big decisions the board must vote on, I'd encourage the board not to vote until the community is heard from in a town hall forum or at board meetings.
The easiest and most important way for people to participate in government is to vote. Educating high school seniors on local politics would be an imperative step to take and here's why I say this.... I subbed for a professor one day this year at Adventist University, the subject was local government. The students were engaged the entire class and eager to learn the material. What struck me was the students were shocked that they did not learn this information before. I look forward to learning what we teach now and what we can add to our local government curriculum to get our students pumped to participate in the most important process in our Country.
Hamilton County School Board, District 11
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The 11-member school board has the power to hire and fire the superintendent, craft policy for all Hamilton County Schools and, with the district administration, pass an annual budget for final approval from the county commission. Four-year term.
Republican candidate
Sherrie Guinn Ford
Did not respond to questionnaire
Democratic candidate
Jill Black
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I ran for office two years ago to represent my community and get things done. I was frustrated with the lack of political courage to solve known problems and have hard conversations like how we address teacher wages not keeping up with the cost of living in Hamilton County and worsening conditions inside of our school buildings. I want to keep Hamilton County Schools and our community moving forward, where students thrive and experience a future without limits (our just cause). I am a wife, a mother to two children in public schools, and a social worker. Those three job titles guide my decision-making every day because I want to create a community I am proud to raise my kids in.
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I would prioritize teacher retention and recruitment. We must keep our talented teachers in the classroom and helping our students achieve their goals. I will continue to advocate for better teacher pay through pay raises, but also look for ways we can improve their working environment and job satisfaction by continuing to fund mental health professionals in all of our schools to relieve the work teachers are currently being asked to. I am also pushing hard for administrators to pay teachers who are asked to cover classrooms when a substitute can't be found because a teacher's absence should never be a way for the district to save money.
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I am dedicated to maintaining relationships with the people and organizations in District 11. You can't represent people unless you talk to them. I am always accessible by phone or email, listening to feedback and answering questions. I attend every neighborhood association meeting in District 11 whenever I am able to provide updates to the communities I serve on the issues we're deciding on because I want to hear from all stakeholders in my community when weighing decisions I vote on.
Lookout Mountain general election
The Town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, operates with a commission style city government. That means voters elect five commissioners, who then decide among themselves who will serve as mayor. The mayor decides which city department each commissioner will oversee, such as the police and public works. This year, all five commission candidates are running for reelection, and there are no challengers. Likewise, the three current Lookout Mountain School Board members are seeking reelection as well.
Commission candidates
Jim Bentley
Did not respond to questionnaire
Joseph Scobell Hailey
Did not respond to questionnaire
Walker Jones
Did not respond to questionnaire
Karen Leavengood
Did not respond to questionnaire
William Valadez
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I have two years of experience running public works for the town of lookout mountain and in addition to the oversight of day to day operations I have also helped many constituents with individual problems related to public works.
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I am looking to identify and attempt to repair our aging drainage system. We get a lot of rain and many of our pipes are extremely old. We've already worked to fix a few but I would like to have a list and begin targeting the worst for repair.
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I try to be easy to reach and prompt about following up with constituents. Anyone is welcome at our town commission meetings but being proactive about addressing individual complaints, even if we ultimately can't help, is part of the job. Local government is about being ready and willing to dig into problems affecting our citizens' lives.
School Board candidates
Julie G. Fisher
Did not respond to questionnaire
Karen C. Welborn
Did not respond to questionnaire
James T. Williams
Did not respond to questionnaire