Larry Grohn announcing his run for Mayor of Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It looks like Chattanooga will have a contested race for Mayor next year (assuming that Mayor Berke will seek re-election).

City Council member Larry Grohn is poised to announce his bid on Tuesday.

He will make the announcement on the steps of City Hall at 5:30pm right before the Council Meeting.

Though the Mayor’s position is non-partisan, Grohn is a Republican and member of the Chattanooga Tea Party.

He is a native of San Antonio, Texas.

Grohn spent the first half of his professional career working for Sears, before switching to teaching in mid-career.

He taught at both the Middle and High School level as well as coaching basketball.

Grohn has recently touted his plan to address violence in the city.

He calls it Chattanooga Works.

It is a non-profit set up to rebuild neighborhoods through faith-based programs.

Grohn has served one term on the city council representing East Brainerd in District 4.

The mayoral election is in March of 2017.