Nashville businessman Jamie D. Isabel, Sr., has announced his intent to run for the chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party. Isabel, no stranger to politics, is a former city councilman and past member of the Tennessee Democratic executive committee.
“Our party has lost its way about addressing issues that are very dear and close to the blue collar worker of Tennessee,” he said.
In 1996 Jamie Isabel founded Dalmatian Creative Agency, a full service promotional product company specializing in corporate apparel and uniforms. He also formed Dalmatian Public Affairs a division of Dalmatian Creative Agency, Inc. Dalmatian Creative Agency is the largest African American-owned Promotional Product Company and uniform distributor in the world. The company is presently run by Karen Anderson Isabel who is CEO and owns 51% of the stock.
Isabel served four years on the Nashville Metropolitan City Council, representing District 2. He held many chair position while serving on the council, including: chair 2006-07, Metro Council Parks, Library & Entertainment Facility Committee; chair 2003-04, Metro Council Federal Grants Committee; and founder and charter member of the Nashville City Council Black Caucus.
Jamie also has held and presently holds many board positions in the community. He is a former trustee of the Watkins College of Arts & Design and previous board member of the Northwest YMCA, Former member of the Ecclesiastical Council, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, a member of Temple Church in Nashville, active member of the Tennessee State University Alumni Association, trustee of the Better Business Bureau, and member Nashville Kiwanis and many other notable associations.
Isabel says that he will not accept the salary should he win the chair position.
“As a moderate Democrat, successful small businessman, and native Tennessean Mr. Isabel clearly understands the needs of our communities both in urban and rural areas,” officials said. “Isabel is a strong supporter of economic inequalities, job creation, and that our schools be accountable to the students and tax payers. He also believes our streets must be safe in urban areas as well as rural areas of the state. His campaigning for the position will carry him across the state of Tennessee talking with committee members and citizens, sharing how we can recapture the statewide enthusiasm experienced under Gov. McWherter.”
Isabel says that he intends to reclaim fellow Democrats, independents, and some Republicans members.
“In two years, my vision and work in the fields, streets, highways, and back roads will influence votes for the U.S. Senate, the Governor’s office, and a majority of state Senate and House seats.”
If elected, Isabel will be the first African American to run and serve as chair of the party.
It was speculated that Franklin, Tennessee native Holly McCall, who recently lost a contested race for State House District 6, would challenge incumbent Mary Mancini for the Democratic Chair, but McCall says that she has no intention to run at this time.
