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Chip Baker

Chip Baker

Office history

County Commission District 2 β€” Hamilton, TN
2026
R primary
2026-05-05
2022
held office
2022-09-01 β†’ 2026-09-01

Chip Baker is a Republican politician serving as the Hamilton County Commissioner for District 2 in Tennessee [1]. He resides in Signal Mountain and has lived in the area for over 30 years [6]. Baker first entered public office in 2018, winning election to the Hamilton County Commission [7]. He previously served on the Hamilton County Board of Education for 12 years, including three years as its chairman [5], [11]. His professional background includes a 20-year career as a hospital administrator and 19 years in event management [11]. Baker holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Wooster and a master’s degree in health services administration from George Washington University [5], [6]. He works as a management consultant and serves on the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority board [5], [6].

During his tenure, Baker has held significant leadership roles within the commission. In 2022, he was elected chairman of the Hamilton County Commission by a unanimous vote of his colleagues [8]. As District 2 Commissioner, he serves as Chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee and as an Alternate member of the Finance and Budget Committee [1]. He has also been elected multiple times to serve as chairman and vice-chairman during his various terms [5].

Baker’s legislative record includes voting against a version of Plan Hamilton that included amendments requested by the Homebuilders Association, citing opposition from District 2 residents [3], [9]. He voted for County Resolution 325-17, which mandated that decentralized sewage systems be regulated and operated by the Hamilton County Wastewater Authority [3], [9]. Baker also supported the creation of a dedicated Hamilton County Planning Department [3], [9]. In early 2026, he played a key role in separating the Regional Planning Agency from Chattanooga to address specific district needs regarding infrastructure and zoning [6].

In August 2025, Baker announced his bid for a third term on the commission [4], [5]. He faces Republican challenger Brad Wardlaw in the May 5, 2026, primary election [12]. Baker’s campaign priorities include responsible growth, infrastructure development for roads and sewers, and economic development through collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce [6]. His campaign reported having approximately $40,000 on hand in early 2026, with donations from figures such as U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann and former Chattanooga Mayor Jon Kinsey [6].

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 β€” search by last name on each.

Tennessee β€” Hamilton County campaign finance (County Commission Dist. 2)

Tennessee β€” campaign finance (search)

Tennessee β€” statement of interest

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