by Staff Report
Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett announced Thursday he will seek reelection next year.
Garrett, who was first elected in 2022, said in a press release that his first term focused on building a brand founded on customer service, professionalism and innovation.
“Serving as your sheriff is the honor and privilege of a lifetime,” Garrett said in the press release. “That is why today I am announcing my campaign for reelection.”
The Sheriff’s Office has built a reputation, Garrett said, as a premier law enforcement agency. Over the next year, the campaign will highlight his first-term record and his vision for Hamilton County in the years ahead, according to the release.
Garrett has leaned on his partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement during his first term, with transfers to ICE custody spiking significantly after he signed an agreement with the agency in March. Protesters have rallied against the program, while Garrett has defended it as a way to remove violent offenders.
(READ MORE: Sheriff releases first of promised monthly updates on unauthorized immigrant arrests)
The sheriff has also faced issues inside the jail. A former inmate started a petition after Garrett’s office removed several items from the commissary, ranging from snacks to over-the-counter medications.
At the same time, Garrett has moved to highlight progress under his tenure, which included salary increases for patrol and corrections deputies and the county’s $32 million jail expansion and renovation. When Garrett took office in 2022, the jail had 80 staff vacancies, but two years later, he said that number was down to 11.
When Garrett first ran for office, he sought to replace three-term Sheriff Jim Hammond, who was elected in 2008 and retired. Garrett is a native of Bryant, Alabama, and moved to Hamilton County in 1993. Garrett worked at the Chattanooga Police Department for 25 years before retiring as a lieutenant. Hammond appointed him to chief deputy in February 2019.
Garrett’s reelection campaign manager, Dalton Temple, did not immediately respond to a list of questions about the sheriff’s campaign.
The state and federal primary and county general election — including U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, county mayor, sheriff and several other elected positions — will be Aug. 6, 2026.
“Every day, this office works to deliver professional law enforcement services to you, ensuring Hamilton County is a place where families can thrive,” Garrett said in an announcement video. “Join our campaign and together, let’s keep Hamilton County the greatest place to work, live and play.”
Contact breaking news reporter Mason Edwards at medwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6409.
Read the original story published on the Times Free Press here.