Brad Wardlaw

Brad Wardlaw is a Republican candidate running for Hamilton County Commission District 2 in the May 5, 2026 primary election [3]. He is challenging incumbent Commissioner Chip Baker [7]. The District 2 seat covers Signal Mountain, Walden, and areas extending to Mowbray Mountain [10].

Wardlaw, 45, is a lifelong Hamilton County resident who grew up in Hixson and attended Red Bank High School [9]. He holds bachelor's degrees in business administration and human resource management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga [7]. Professionally, he works as a licensed real estate agent and small business owner leading property management, construction, and excavation operations [9]. He manages approximately a dozen rental properties in the county and performs renovation work [7].

Wardlaw resides with his wife, Brooke, and their two children, Carter and Camilla, near the Falling Water area in unincorporated Hamilton County [7]. His wife is a Signal Mountain native [9]. Wardlaw has lived in District 2 for over a decade [9]. He is active in community service, having coached with the North River Soccer Association and the lower school team at Chattanooga Christian School [9]. He has also volunteered with Junior Achievement at CCS to teach business and economics [9] and serves on the committee for Northside Neighborhood House’s Not So Silent Auction [9].

Wardlaw announced his campaign in February 2026, citing a need for proactive leadership over reactive decision-making regarding growth and infrastructure [7]. His stated priorities include addressing infrastructure deficits, supporting underfunded volunteer fire departments, and creating a comprehensive plan for school facilities to manage overcrowding [7]. He also advocates for senior tax relief, ranging from tax freezes to full elimination, and aims to recruit new employers to strengthen the local economy [9]. Wardlaw criticizes the current administration for allowing high-density development without adequate planning and promises to be more accessible and visible to residents than his predecessor [9].

Sources

• [1] Tennessee elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [2] Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [3] sample ballot
• [4] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [5] Elections Calendar | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [6] 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia
• [7] Commission challenger Brad Wardlaw wants to help Hamilton County manage growth proactively | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [9] Brad Wardlaw Announces Campaign For Hamilton County Commission District 2 Republican Primary - Chattanoogan.com
• [10] Republican Brad Wardlaw running against Hamilton County Commissioner Chip Baker | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [11] Brad Wardlaw says he's running for a seat on the Hamilton ...
• [12] Incumbent Chip Baker stresses infrastructure needs in Hamilton County | Chattanooga Times Free Press