Candidates are beginning warming up for the 2022 elections.
The earliest date a candidate can pick up paperwork to run for the 2022 elections is Dec. 20, and that is only the candidates for the May 3 primary. There are some who have appointed treasurers so they can start accepting contributions in anticipation of the primary.
County Mayor Jim Coppinger said in a June 30 filing that he has $55,000 left over in campaign funds.
Longtime County Clerk Bill Knowles has $15,058 on hand thus far to wage the next campaign.
Austin Garrett, who Sheriff Jim Hammond has named as his heir apparent, has raised $51,523.
Greg Beck and Joe Graham, who lost their County Commission seats four years ago, are raring to run again.
Mr. Beck named Riley Walker as treasurer. He will oppose incumbent Katherlyn Geter in District 5.
Joe Graham, who lost to David Sharpe in District 6, said he has raised $8,969.
Jeffery Crim has named a political treasurer for District 8 seat – the post held by Tim Boyd.
Jeff Eversole listed his interest in County Commission District 9. Steve Highlander was recently named to that seat after Chester Bankston moved.
Montrell Besley has named a treasurer for the District 4 County Commission seat long held by Warren Mackey.
Circuit Court Clerk Larry Henry has named his son, attorney Gary Henry, as campaign treasurer for the 2022 race.
Register Marc Gravitt and Criminal Court Clerk Vince Dean are expected to make new bids to stay in office.
Juvenile Court Clerk Gary Behler said he has raised $12,325 for re-election.
Melody Shekari has named a treasurer for a contest for City Court judge. The Democrat previously ran for the House District 28 seat. City Judges Russell Bean and Sherry Paty have not made a filing yet.
The last city judge race was in 2014.
Read this story in its original posting by Chattanoogan.com here.