The Official Community for Tennessee's Democrats
Party Chair: Chip Forrester
Forrester was elected chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party on January 24, 2009.
He has served on the State Democratic Executive Committee since 1988 and was elected to a second two-year term as chair in January 2011.
In addition to being the state chair, Forrester was elected unanimously to the DNC Executive Committee at a meeting of the Association of State Democratic Chairs. He will serve as that group's Southern Chair on the DNC Executive Committee and will work as a representative for the region.
Chip is the son of a retired soldier who saw combat three times during his 35-year military career. Originally from Watertown, Tenn. in Wilson County, Chip's father met his mother in Japan. Chip was born in Ft. Benning, Ga. and lived all over the world during his father’s military career.
In 1985, Chip moved home to Tennessee to raise his family. His son, Evan Forrester is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and currently teaches English in China.
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Politics, Economics, Rhetoric and Law (PERL), Chip began his political career working for Harold Washington. Chip worked on numerous campaigns with Washington that culminated with Washington being elected Mayor of Chicago. Chip subsequently served as Assistant Director of Chicago’s Department of Economic Development in Mayor Washington’s administration. In 1985, Chip moved to Tennessee to be Deputy Campaign Manager for Speaker Ned McWherter’s successful campaign for Governor.
In 1990, Chip was U.S. Senator Al Gore’s campaign manager for his reelection to the US Senate. After the re-election Chip was appointed as Gore’s Tennessee Chief of Staff.
Chip’s prior service to the Tennessee Democratic Party has included a stint as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party from 1987 -1989, serving as an Executive Committee member since 1988 and as TNDP Treasurer.
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