H. Chris Little Announces Independent Candidacy for Carter County Mayor
Carter County, Tenn. - H. Chris Little today officially announced his candidacy as an independent for Carter County Mayor in the upcoming August general election.
“I am running because I care deeply about Carter County and the people who call it home,” Little stated. “There has been too much waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars, and our economy is stalling. Families are feeling the strain. We must lessen the burden on taxpayers while creating real opportunities for growth and stability.”
A Record of Service and Fiscal Responsibility
Mr. Little brings more than 30 years of experience as a Senior Physician Associate, retiring in January 2025 after a distinguished medical career. Throughout his professional career, Chris emphasized treating every patient with dignity, respect, and as a person, not a number.
A graduate of Elizabethton High School, Little earned a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from Illinois State University, and a Physician Associate degree from Trevecca University, where he scored in the top five percent nationally in both Surgery and General Medicine.
Chris began his career working with collegiate teams and professional organizations, including the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs. He later served five years in the Emergency Department at Johnson City Medical Center before spending 25 years as Senior Physician Associate at Arthritis Associates in Kingsport, specializing in rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases.
Little says his professional background has instilled a commitment to accountability, efficiency, and commonsense problem-solving.
“I strongly believe in government accountability and transparency,” Little said. “I have always been fiscally conservative and believe in being a careful steward of taxpayer money. I’ve attended most Carter County Commission meetings over the past eight years, and understand the challenges and opportunities we face.”
Priorities for Carter County
If elected mayor, Little outlined several key priorities:
1. Preparing Students for the Future Workforce
Little pledged to work closely with the school board to ensure students are prepared for meaningful careers in a rapidly changing world. He emphasized the importance of understanding emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, while also promoting skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, masonry, carpentry, and HVAC - fields he describes as “essential and recession proof.”
2. Job Creation and Economic Development
Little is committed to strengthening partnerships within the regional economic development community to recruit businesses aligned with Carter County’s strengths, including its outdoor recreation assets and active lifestyle opportunities. He also pledged to work with existing companies to prevent closures whenever possible.
3. Expanding Defense Industry Opportunities
Drawing on his experience working with federal representatives, Little plans to pursue defense industry jobs that offer high wages and long-term stability.
4. Reestablishing a Flight School at Elizabethton Airport
Chris proposes to reestablish a flight school at Elizabethton Airport to complement aviation programs at area high schools and Northeast State Community College. He noted the growing demand for commercial pilots and the potential for high-paying aviation careers.
Proven Community Leadership
Mr. Little highlighted his long record of community involvement and grant-writing success, securing more than $2 million in funding for Carter County projects and organizations.
His efforts have resulted in the following:
- Leading a successful 1992 initiative to build a boat ramp and parking area at Rat Branch with support from Congressman Jimmy Quillen.
- Working in 2011 with Congressman Phil Roe to secure a $250,000 grant for the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new fire truck.
- Co-founding the Elizabethton IDEAS Group in 2014, helping develop Green Bridge Landing in Hampton and securing a $1 million matching grant to rehabilitate Covered Bridge Park.
- Founding GO BETSY in 2020 and securing $391,000 in funding through TVA, TDOT, and TWRA to construct a ramp and parking lot on Lovers Lane to improve access to the Watauga River.
- Securing a $70,000 grant from the East Tennessee Foundation to replace a support truck lost by the Roan Mountain Fire Department during flooding following Hurricane Helene.
“I don’t just talk about improving Carter County - I’ve done the work,” Little said. “I’ve built relationships, written the grants, and helped deliver real results as a citizen.”
A Vision for Accountable Leadership
Little says his campaign will focus on responsible budgeting, transparent government, economic growth, and preparing Carter County for the future.
“We need leadership that thinks outside the box but stays grounded in common sense,” he said. “I am ready to serve and work every day to make Carter County stronger, more prosperous, and better prepared for the challenges ahead.”