Hamilton County Young Republicans

That’s what’s you call liberal leadership. Want more money in your pocket? Vote Republican August 6!

Red Bank residents face third property tax hike in five years, raising concerns for some Red Bank residents are facing their thirdproperty tax increase in five years, prompting questions from some homeowners about when the hikes will end and where

Thank you County Mayor Weston Wamp for another balanced budget proposal with no tax increase!

Tennessee is having a moment.

For our fourth State of the County, I wanted it to be light on speeches and heavy on conversation about how state and county government have been working together to make sure the opportunities coming to Tennessee translate into opportunity for the people who already call Hamilton County home.

That’s why Sen. Bo Watson and I brought together three members of Governor Lee’s cabinet, Deputy Governor and ECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, TDEC Commissioner David Salyers, and TDOT Commissioner Will Reid, for a candid conversation about where our county fits into Tennessee’s future.

A few things stood out:

• As the county and state continue to prioritize career and technical education, Hamilton County Schools has made historic gains in college and career readiness in four years, with the “Ready Graduate” rate rising from 39.5% to 58%. Even more encouraging, the rate for Black students more than doubled during that same period, from 21% to 47%.

• We announced new investments in career and technical education, including career guidance specialists for all three Future Ready Centers and additional funding for the Harrison Bay and North River campuses as enrollment reaches record highs.

• Commissioner Salyers called Hamilton County the “outdoor recreation capital of Tennessee… and maybe the nation” on the cusp of the creation of a fifth state park at McDonald Farm.

• We highlighted major progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Overdose deaths in Hamilton County have fallen for three straight years — from 209 in 2022 to 119 in 2025 — thanks to strong partnerships between local government, the District Attorney, EMS, and the state.

• We’re planning to take the first formal step toward a proposed indoor youth sports complex at Camp Jordan through a partnership with the City of East Ridge — a project designed to support local athletes while growing sports tourism and economic activity.

• Commissioner McWhorter described the planned relocation of our business incubator next to the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center as “creative and innovative,” saying Hamilton County may have the greatest upside for entrepreneurship in Tennessee.

• Commissioner Reid confirmed that Exit 13 in Ooltewah is now part of the planned I-75 widening project and moving through the design process — an important step toward long-awaited traffic relief.

It is an honor to serve Hamilton County at a time when we have such momentum in Tennessee. Our priority remains that our people are thriving while we experience growth and new investment. From workforce development to conservative efforts, we’re working every day with our partners in Nashville to improve the lives of the citizens of Hamilton County.

Republicans had an embarrassing turnout in the recent primary election. For the first time in 20+ years, we were OUTVOTED by Democrats. If we want to keep Hamilton County moving in the right direction, we need to get energized and engaged ahead of the General Election August 6. We certainly don’t want Hamilton County becoming like Nashville or Atlanta, where liberal leadership has led to skyrocketing property taxes and pride flags everywhere you turn.

Our Republican candidates need support from the Young Republicans now more than ever. If you're interested in helping this summer with campaign efforts, please FILL OUT THIS FORM (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLRD5dpTwPkt0-Ad93zIShiWgrzFk3auUzcOvsvZu43SzJ-A/viewform). There will be paid opportunities and other incentives.

Contested races:
County Mayor - Weston Wamp
Criminal Court Clerk - Vince Dean
District 1 (Soddy-Daisy) County Commission - Gene-O Shipley
District 2 (Signal Mountain) County Commission - Chip Baker
District 7 (Apison) County Commission - Lee Helton
District 8 (East Ridge) County Commission - Mike Chauncey
District 11 (Lookout Valley) County Commission - Joe Graham
We're also planning a summer party...so stay tuned

2026 General Election - Campaign Opportunities

The Young Republicans will be joining the Hamilton County Republican Party and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp for a Primary Watch Party!

When: Tuesday, May 5th from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Caption Hotel Rooftop Bar, 105 W Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Sodas and light snacks will be provided.

Don't forget to get out and vote! Early voting ends Thursday and Election Day is May 5.

Hamilton County…if you haven’t voted yet, VOTE TODAY!!!

Please share! Early voting begins tomorrow 🇺🇸.