Three candidates for Tennessee governor met Tuesday night at Middle Tennessee State University for a public forum hosted by the Tennessee Press Association. Democrat Jerri Green, independent David Hatley and independent Lauren Pinkston used the hour‑long event to lay out their policy priorities for the state, while Republican Marsha Blackburn chose to hold a separate rally in Hendersonville.

Common ground on education funding

All three candidates agreed that Tennessee’s school voucher program should be ended. Pinkston said she has “always been against the expansion” of the program and urged the state to invest more heavily in early childhood and public schools. Hatley called the voucher program “a slap in the face to our public education,” noting that many rural families lack private‑school options. Green echoed the sentiment, stating, “I believe that public dollars should go to public schools for the public good.”

Tax relief and cost‑of‑living measures

The forum’s first policy question focused on rising grocery, gas and housing costs. Each candidate supported eliminating Tennessee’s grocery tax. Hatley also proposed freezing the gas tax and limiting out‑of‑state investors from buying homes. Pinkston backed a pause on the gas tax and suggested expanding land trusts to create affordable homeownership opportunities, along with adding 50,000 child‑care slots statewide. Green called for eliminating the grocery tax, freezing the gas tax, raising wages, using state funds to address medical debt and clearing the child‑care voucher waiting list.

Rural health and Medicaid expansion

When asked about rural hospital closures, Green advocated for Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, arguing that federal funding could keep hospitals open. Hatley said the state should explore alternative emergency‑care models and would consider Medicaid expansion if funding could be identified. Pinkston focused on health‑care consolidation and expanding access to nurse practitioners and midwives.

Public safety and the Memphis Safe Task Force

The candidates diverged on the Memphis Safe Task Force, which includes the Tennessee National Guard and federal immigration officers. Green, a Memphis City Council member and Shelby County chief public defender, said she would bring the National Guard home and send ICE packing, redirecting resources to help people directly. Hatley praised the task force’s impact on crime reduction, saying it should stay in place until a replacement system is ready. Pinkston argued that resources should instead be directed to equip Memphis police officers with the tools needed to recruit and retain better officers.

Transportation and infrastructure

All three candidates voiced support for expanding public transportation, including passenger rail, as Tennessee continues to grow. They also criticized the state’s approach to toll or “choice” lanes, calling for a more balanced transportation strategy.

Library content and parental responsibility

On the question of state review of library content for minors, Green opposed any restrictions, trusting librarians to do their jobs. Pinkston echoed that stance, framing the issue around parental responsibility: “Don’t give the government the freedom to parent your children.” Hatley supported state involvement, describing it as a good measure to protect children from certain material.

Data centers and community impact

The rapid expansion of data centers across Tennessee was another point of discussion. Green and Pinkston called for a statewide pause or restriction on new developments until regulations are in place. Hatley advocated for stronger guardrails requiring data‑center operators to cover the costs of power, water and property impacts.

Death penalty positions

Pinkston and Green both expressed opposition to the death penalty, citing faith‑based concerns and the risk of wrongful convictions. Hatley said the governor must uphold state law that permits capital punishment, while also calling for an investigation into recent executions.

Blackburn’s absence

Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn’s decision not to attend the forum was mentioned repeatedly. While the other candidates used the opportunity to critique aspects of the current political environment, Blackburn held a get‑out‑the‑vote rally in Hendersonville at the same time.

The forum concluded with each candidate delivering a final pitch to voters ahead of Election Day, emphasizing their commitment to families, faith‑based values and individual liberty.

Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.