Bristol, Tennessee, September 3, 2025

News Summary

Mayor Dr. Mark Hutton of Bristol, Tennessee, has announced his resignation effective September 2, in order to pursue a permanent pastoral position. Hutton, who has served the city since March 2022, expressed gratitude in his resignation letter, acknowledging the resilience of the Bristol community. Vice Mayor Vince Turner will temporarily assume the mayor’s role until a new appointee is chosen by the City Council within 30 days. The significant leadership change raises questions about the future direction of the city.

Bristol, Tennessee

Mayor Dr. Mark Hutton submitted his resignation on Tuesday, effective September 2, to pursue a permanent pastoral role. Hutton’s decision marks a significant change in leadership for the city, which he has served since being appointed to the Bristol City Council in March 2022.

In his resignation letter, Hutton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and acknowledged the strength and resilience of the Bristol community. His decision comes as a surprise to many, given his recent election as mayor in January 2025.

Hutton’s political career began when he joined the City Council to fill a vacancy representing the city’s east district. Later in 2022, he was formally elected to the council before advancing to the mayor’s office three years later. Prior to his role in local government, he served on the Sullivan County Commission from 2018 until 2022, representing Bristol’s second district.

Following Hutton’s resignation, the city’s charter mandates that the City Council appoint a replacement from Hutton’s east district within 30 days. This appointee will hold the position until the next regular city election in November 2026. Effective immediately, Vice Mayor Vince Turner will assume the role of mayor until a reorganization meeting is held in January 2026.

The City Council is scheduled to meet on September 9 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the process for filling Hutton’s vacancy and appointing a new vice mayor. This meeting will be crucial in determining the course of action for Bristol’s leadership in light of Hutton’s departure.

Context of Leadership Changes

The resignation of Mayor Hutton adds to a changing political landscape in Bristol, a city that has seen various leadership transitions in recent years. Hutton’s focus on community service and his impending commitment to a pastoral role reflect a growing trend of public officials pursuing careers rooted in faith and service after their time in politics.

Hutton’s leadership was characterized by community engagement and efforts to enhance the quality of life for Bristol residents. His resignation raises questions about future developments in the city’s administration. The Council’s choice for a replacement will undoubtedly influence local policies and direction.

Upcoming City Council Meeting

The upcoming City Council meeting on September 9 is expected to draw significant attention from residents eager to learn about the implications of Hutton’s resignation and the steps the Council will take to ensure a smooth transition. With Hutton’s focus on a personal calling that emphasizes community and service, residents hope his successor will continue to prioritize the welfare of Bristol.

Summary of Key Points

• Dr. Mark Hutton submitted his resignation effective September 2 to pursue a permanent pastoral role.
• He served the city since March 2022, progressing from City Council member to Mayor.
• Vice Mayor Vince Turner is interim mayor until January 2026.
• The City Council will appoint a replacement within 30 days from Hutton’s resignation.

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Additional Resources

• WCYB
• Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
• WJHL
• Google Search: Mark Hutton Bristol Tennessee
• Herald Courier
• Google Scholar: Bristol Tennessee Political News
• Herald Courier (Nation World)
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Tennessee
• WGRV
• Google News: Mark Hutton Resignation

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.