June 12, 2025

Hamilton County GOP Hosts Controversial Fundraiser

News Summary

The Hamilton County Republican Party is set to hold a fish fry fundraiser on July 12, featuring Marjorie Taylor Greene as the keynote speaker. This controversial choice has ignited criticism, prompting debates about the party’s alignment with Abraham Lincoln’s ideals of unity and inclusion. As the party transitions leadership with a chair election approaching, discussions around outreach and representation within the GOP are becoming increasingly significant in Hamilton County.

Chattanooga – The Hamilton County Republican Party is set to host a controversial fish fry fundraiser, originally named The Lincoln Day Dinner, on July 12 at the Chattanoogan, with Marjorie Taylor Greene scheduled to headline the event. This choice of keynote speaker has sparked a wave of criticism and raised questions regarding Greene’s past controversial statements, which include conspiracy theories about Jewish space lasers, weather manipulation by Democrats, and allegations of staged school shootings.

Despite being framed as a celebration of the late President Abraham Lincoln, many critics argue that the event diverges significantly from Lincoln’s foundational values of unity, inclusion, and human rights. Observers note that Lincoln would likely disapprove of the current trajectory of the party, which is perceived to embrace a more divisive and politically charged narrative. Analysts have gone so far as to describe the upcoming event as a “funeral” for Lincoln’s values, rather than a tribute.

The Hamilton County Republican Party is currently navigating a period of leadership transition, as the current chairman, Mark Harrison, has announced he will not seek re-election. This leadership change has fueled discussions among party members regarding its direction and approach. Two candidates are emerging for the chair position: former Sheriff Jim Hammond and grassroots activist Gail Greene, who leads a local organization called Activate Hamilton.

Both candidates emphasize the need for greater outreach and inclusivity within the party. Greene underscores the importance of amplifying the voices of grassroots Republicans who feel overlooked. Meanwhile, Hammond, who has nearly three decades of experience as Sheriff, acknowledges the necessity of engaging with younger voters and finding ways to connect with members of the opposing party as well.

The election for the new chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party is scheduled for March 1 at Hixson Middle School. The outcome of this election is anticipated to shape the future of the party in Hamilton County, particularly in light of ongoing discussions surrounding diversity and representation within local political landscapes.

In the broader context, Hamilton County is experiencing significant political shifts. Local leaders are striving to create connections with diverse community groups in an effort to enhance outreach and representation as the political climate evolves within the county. Mario Massillamany, the current party chairman, is particularly focused on increasing engagement with underrepresented communities amid challenges facing the national Republican Party.

As the July 12 fundraiser approaches, the Hamilton County Republican Party continues to face scrutiny over its alignment with Lincoln’s ideals and its ability to adapt to an increasingly diverse electorate. The decision to feature Marjorie Taylor Greene as the headliner has reignited discussions about the core values that the party wishes to promote and the legacy it seeks to uphold in the eyes of its constituents.

The events leading up to the fish fry fundraiser and the impending leadership election will undoubtedly play a crucial role in defining the Hamilton County Republican Party’s identity and values in the coming years. With mounting pressure to address these issues and unify its base, the party stands at a crossroads amid changing social dynamics and political expectations.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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