By Associated Press - Saturday, December 24, 2016

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - One Chattanooga mayoral hopeful is dropping out of the race and will support another candidate’s challenge to incumbent Andy Berke.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports (https://bit.ly/2ioYp8F ) that longtime educator Gail Francis is departing the race and endorsing Larry Grohn’s bid, the other remaining challengers are former Council member David Crockett and former builder Chris Long.

Grohn, a member of the Chattanooga City Council, welcomed Francis’ support. Thursday was the deadline for candidates to withdraw from the ballot.



Berke is a former Democratic state senator who was first elected mayor of Chattanooga in 2013.

Early voting for the March 7 election runs from Feb. 15 to March 2.

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Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, https://www.timesfreepress.com

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