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Greg Beck

Greg Beck

Office history

County Commission District 5 — Hamilton, TN
2026
D primary
2026-05-05
2022
held office
2022-09-01 → 2026-09-01

Greg Beck is a Democratic candidate for Hamilton County Commission District 5 in Tennessee, seeking a fifth term in the May 5, 2026, primary election [3]. The district covers an eastern stretch of Chattanooga, including most of Brainerd, as well as neighborhoods such as Woodmore, Washington Hills, and Eastdale [3]. Beck is currently the incumbent commissioner for this seat [3]. He first gained the position in February 2005 via a commission appointment after Commissioner JoAnne Favors moved to the state legislature [5]. Prior to his election, he had served on the Hamilton County Commission since at least 1994, when he began working at the Sheriff's Department and was named officer of the year in 2002 [5].

Beck has held several leadership roles within the commission. He previously served as chairman of the security and corrections committee for two years and vice chairman of the Hamilton County Commission for two years [5]. In December 2016, he was elected vice chair of the full commission in a 5-3 vote, replacing Randy Fairbanks [7]. As of 2026, he serves as Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, Alternate on the Building and Economic Development Committee, and member of the Health and Human Services Committee [1].

Before his political career, Beck worked for 18 years at Combustion Engineering [5]. In 1981, he joined Inner City Ministries, where he founded a youth organization called the Action Group and a summer work adventure program (S.W.A.P.) that received a special commendation from President Ronald Reagan [5]. He later served as executive director of the Roanoke Community Center and the Bethlehem Community Center, helping to establish the United Community Action Alliance [5]. He also worked at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department beginning in 1994 [5].

Beck’s personal background includes humble origins; he was raised by his grandmother and great-grandmother after his mother died of an aneurysm at age 33 [6]. He attended Zion College, Chattanooga State Community College, and Grace Baptist Bible School [6]. Professionally, he has served as a court officer for City Court Judge Sherry Paty for over two decades [3]. He is also the founder and director of the Heritage Memorial Christian Center and hosts a Saturday morning radio program called the “Discovery Hour” on WNOO-1260 [5].

In the 2026 race, Beck faces challenger Katherlyn Geter, a former commissioner who defeated him in the 2018 Democratic primary [3]. Geter opted not to run for re-election in 2022 due to her partner’s health issues but returned to challenge Beck again in 2026 [9]. Beck’s campaign priorities include violence prevention, investment in school facilities, and support for seniors and small businesses [3]. He has stated that his focus is on strengthening safety, expanding opportunities for young people, and ensuring accountability [3]. As of September 2025, Beck had approximately $141 on hand in campaign funds [3].

Sources

Public filings

Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.

Tennessee — campaign finance (search)

Tennessee — statement of interest

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