Warren Mackey

Warren Mackey is a Democratic incumbent serving on the Hamilton County Commission for District 4 in Tennessee [2]. He was first elected to the seat in 2010 and is running for a sixth term in the May 5, 2026, primary after two decades in office [4]. The district encompasses Chattanooga's downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, including Fort Wood, Orchard Knob, Highland Park, Ridgedale, and Avondale [2].

Mackey, who is 76 years old as of 2026, has lived in Chattanooga his entire life and resides near the Bluff View Art District [2]. He holds a bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University and a doctorate in history from Middle Tennessee State University [2]. Prior to his election, he spent more than 30 years as a professor of history at Chattanooga State Community College [2].

During his tenure, Mackey has served on several key committees. He is a member of the Finance and Budget Committee, which reviews county financial matters, budgets, and fiscal policy, and the Rules and Legislative Committee, which handles rules of procedure and local legislation [1]. He also serves as an alternate on the Public Works and Zoning Committee, which oversees infrastructure and land use planning [1], and the Delinquent Tax Property Committee, which manages policies for property acquired through delinquent tax proceedings [1].

In July 2024, the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office reported that Mackey had received at least $27,000 in questionable reimbursements from his discretionary spending allowance [3]. The matter was referred to the District Attorneys General Conference after Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp recused herself [7]. In April 2024, attorney D. Michael Dunavant declined to pursue criminal prosecution, citing the Commission's establishment of new guidelines for district offices and appropriations [6].

For his 2026 campaign, Mackey reported having approximately $9,500 on hand in early 2026, with donations totaling about $11,000 from developers and contractors, including Perimeter Properties and Nancy and Pat Neuhoff [2]. He is facing a contested primary against challenger Elea Wright, a businesswoman and chief of operations at Elea Blake Cosmetics [2]. Mackey has stated that his priorities include economic development, educational opportunity, and affordable housing [2].

Sources

• [1] Warren Mackey, District 4 Commissioner, Hamilton County Government
• [2] Hamilton County Commission: Incumbent Warren Mackey says district is experiencing ‘real and meaningful growth’ | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [3] State comptroller says Hamilton County commissioner had $27,000 in questionable reimbursements | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [4] Warren Mackey to run for sixth term on Hamilton County Commission | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [5] Opinion: Chattanooga Free Press endorses Warren Mackey for Hamilton County Commission District 4 | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [6] Commissioner Mackey Will Not Face Criminal Prosecution For $27,382 In "Questionable Expenses" - Chattanoogan.com
• [7] Attorney won’t pursue criminal prosecution of Hamilton County commissioner | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [9] Times Free Press en X: "Businesswoman Elea Wright is challenging incumbent Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey, D-Bluff View, in the upcoming Democratic primary Check out a Q&A with the candidate in the story below. https://t.co/mmfP609ubC" / X
• [10] Hamilton County Commission: Challenger Elea Wright says poverty is Chattanooga’s biggest problem | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [11] Businesswoman Elea Wright to run against five-term incumbent Warren Mackey in Democratic primary | Chattanooga Times Free Press