←All People
Austin Garrett
born 1971-10-26 (Age 54)
Office history
Austin Garrett is a Republican candidate running for re-election as Sheriff of Hamilton County, Tennessee, in the May 5, 2026, primary election [8]. He was first elected to the office in 2022 and sworn in on September 1, 2022, becoming the 60th Sheriff of the Hamilton County Sheriffβs Office [4]. Prior to his election as sheriff, Garrett served as Chief Deputy, an appointment made by his predecessor, Sheriff Jim Hammond, in February 2019 [4]. Before joining the Sheriff's Office, he spent 25 years with the Chattanooga Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant after commanding the Tactical and Traffic Operations Division [4].
Garrett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Bethel University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 273 and the Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy Session 11 [4]. As Sheriff, he oversees an agency with 540 personnel and a budget exceeding $68 million, serving Hamilton County, which has over 369,000 residents across 576 square miles [4]. During his first term, Garrett focused on consolidating jail facilities, implementing historic pay raises for employees, and establishing a recruiting services unit that gained national recognition [5]. He also pursued a voluntary agreement with federal immigration authorities to identify unauthorized immigrants arrested on criminal charges [10].
Garrett was born in Bryant, Alabama, and moved to Hamilton County in 1993 [4]. He is married to Pam McAllister-Garrett, and they have two children, Haley Masterson and Maddie Garrett [4]. The couple are members of Shelter Church in East Brainerd [4]. In addition to his official duties, Garrett serves on the legislative committee for the Tennessee Sheriffβs Association and as a board member for organizations including YCAP, Crime Stoppers, the Hamilton County 911 Board, and the Forgotten Child Fund [4]. He announced his re-election bid in September 2025, stating his first term focused on building a brand founded on customer service, professionalism, and innovation [8].
Sources
- [1] Austin Garrett - Ballotpedia
- [2] United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [3] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [4] Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Website
- [5] Hamilton County Sheriffβs Office-Tennessee-Press Releases
- [6] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
- [7] Sheriff Austin Garret Announces Endorsements In Hamilton County Commission Primaries - Chattanoogan.com
- [8] Sheriff Austin Garrett running for reelection | Chattanooga Times Free Press
- [9] Chief Deputy Austin Garrett announces bid for Hamilton County sheriff | Chattanooga Times Free Press
- [10] Hamilton County Sheriff says his office moving forward on ICE agreement | Chattanooga Times Free Press
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 β search by last name on each.
Tennessee β Hamilton County campaign finance (Sheriff)
- Pre-Primary 2026 β filed 04/29/26
- 1st Qtr 2026 β filed 04/10/26
- 2025 Year-End Supplemental β filed 02/03/26
- 2025 Mid-Year Supplemental β filed 07/11/25
- 2024 Year-End Supplemental β filed 01/27/25
- 2024 Mid-Year Supplemental β filed 07/17/24
- Appt of Treasurer 2026 β filed 02/20/24
- Amended 2023 Year-End Supplemental β filed 01/31/24
- 2023 Year-End Supplemental β filed 01/31/24
- 2023 Mid-Year Supplemental β filed 07/13/23
- 4th Qtr 2022 β filed 01/25/23
- 3rd Qtr 2022 β filed 10/11/22
- Pre-General 2022 β filed 07/26/22
- 2nd Qtr 2022 β filed 07/07/22
- Pre-Primary 2022 β filed 04/26/22
- 1st Qtr 2022 β filed 04/11/22
- 2021 Year-End Supplemental β filed 01/31/22
- 2021 Mid-Year Supplemental β filed 07/14/21
- 2020 Year-End Supplemental β filed 01/27/21
- 2020 Mid-Year Supplemental β filed 07/14/20
- 2019 Year-End Supplemental β filed 01/31/20
- Appt of Treasurer 2022 β filed 10/10/19
Tennessee β campaign finance (search)
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) β Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Garrett”, and submit.
Tennessee β statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates β Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Garrett”and, if needed, select the applicable position.