Middle Tennessee State University and the Tennessee Press Association held a televised gubernatorial debate Tuesday night, giving voters a chance to hear directly from three of the four leading candidates for governor.
Democratic nominee focuses on taxes, schools and health care
Jerri Green, a Memphis public defender and city council member, outlined a platform centered on easing the cost of living for working families. Green called for eliminating the state grocery tax, arguing that “people can’t afford their groceries right now.” She also urged full funding for public schools, criticizing voucher programs as ineffective for both public‑school students and voucher recipients. Health‑care reform rounded out her priorities, with Green saying the state must “improve health‑care” for all Tennesseans.
Independent candidates present conservative‑leaning alternatives
Entrepreneur David Hatley, who built a company that manufactures hot tubs and golf carts, described himself as fiscally conservative but dissatisfied with Governor Bill Lee’s direction. “I’m the candidate that can’t be bought. I’m taking my own money to run to be the Governor,” Hatley told host Ben Hall. He warned that Tennessee faces “education that’s failing, infrastructure backlogs, budgets that are out of control” and accused the current administration of “botched executions” on key issues.
Former elementary‑school teacher and business professor Lauren Pinkston also ran as an independent. Pinkston highlighted her work combating human trafficking and positioned herself as fiscally conservative while championing individual rights under the Constitution. “It’s going to take a strong independent to sit in the center and bring both sides together so that good policies can rise to the surface,” she said, adding that she “leans very much in terms of human rights and protections under the Constitution for all people, regardless of your gender.”
Republican nominee absent from the stage
Republican nominee Marsha Blackburn was invited but did not attend, and she has declined several interview requests from NewsChannel 5. In August, Blackburn told voters she would focus on immigration enforcement, increased transportation spending and expanding rural health‑care. She also emphasized rapid growth in the state, stating, “In Tennessee, you cannot have sanctuary cities or sanctuary city policies. We’re going to keep attracting and growing good‑paying jobs by supporting local companies that are ready to grow and by being smart about the businesses we recruit to our state.”
What voters should take away
The debate gave Tennesseans a clear view of each candidate’s priorities ahead of the November election. Green’s emphasis on tax relief and public‑school funding appeals to voters concerned about everyday expenses. Hatley and Pinkston present independent options that blend conservative fiscal ideas with a focus on constitutional freedoms and social‑issue moderation. Blackburn’s absence leaves a gap in the Republican campaign’s public outreach, but her recorded statements continue to stress immigration enforcement and economic growth.
Voters can watch the full debate replay on the Tennessee Press Association website or follow upcoming campaign events listed on each candidate’s official page.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
