The August 6 elections included two Hamilton County Commission incumbent upsets that will make significant changes to the legislative body beginning in September.
Let’s get to know the newest Hamilton County Commissioners of District 8 and District 11, Democrats Joshua Wichman and Montrell Besley.
Mr. Wichman, a newcomer to elected politics, defeated one-term incumbent Mike Chauncey, the former Vice Mayor of East Ridge 55.2% to 44.8%, no squeaker.
Self-employed and running on a message that resonated in one of the areas with very high growth and insufficient infrastructure needs–East Ridge and East Brainerd–Wichman prevailed declaring, “Growth should strengthen our communities, not strain them.”
With increased development, population, and needs of government-provided services such as schools, roads, and public safety, also come changing demographics and a departure from political loyalties. When families, neighborhoods, and businesses are taxed and vocal about excessive development, yet see no response, voters express their needs loudly and for results.
Joshua Wichman stressed his working-class and small-business background eluding to times he’s lived paycheck to paycheck, dealt with small business debt, and even business failure. His platform spoke to neighborhood representation and growth that benefits all, not some.
Mr. Montrell Besley, a native of the Alton Park neighborhood, upset multi-term incumbent Joe Graham in District 11, which includes Lookout Valley/Tiftonia, St. Elmo, Lookout Mountain, Alton Park, East Lake, and parts of Missionary Ridge.
Mr. Besley earned a Master of Science in Public and Community Health from Austin Peay State University with work in education, youth development, and community engagement, including serving as director of community engagement at Chattanooga Preparatory School, work with the Boys & Girls Club, and Chattanooga Parks and Recreation.
Besley’s votes were equally impressive winning with about 56% compared to 44% for Mr. Graham. This vote span eclipsed the nail-biter against Graham in 2022 losing by only 20 votes.
The self-described husband, father, educator, community advocate and small-business owner ran on the campaign declaration, “It’s our time for change!”
Noting that growth in Lookout Valley and St. Elmo had benefitted families and businesses, while arguing that Alton Park and East Lake looked much the same as when he was a child, Besley’s message resonated. Specifically the call for revitalization along key corridors such as 23rd Street, 38th Street, and Alton Park Boulevard was championed.
The owner of Chattanooga Rolling Video Games, a mobile entertainment business, Besley is a committed mentor and supporter of youth and children’s issues.
With two men running as unfavored candidates against incumbents in districts with growth that has not been characterized as managed, planned, and sourced with adequate infrastructure and the gentrification of areas that displace those with fixed incomes, there seems to be an obvious message that voters support.
Both Joshua Wichman and Montrell Besley will be sworn in with other Hamilton County elected officials on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Chattanooga Convention Center from 9 to 11 a.m. in a ceremony open to the public.
Let’s watch for the promised change of the campaigns as the Republican majority shrinks from 8-3 to 6-5.