Three of the four major Tennessee gubernatorial candidates appeared at a forum one week before the 2026 election in the only statewide nonpartisan forum, sponsored by the Tennessee Press Association and Middle Tennessee State University.
Democratic nominee Jerri Green, a member of the Memphis City Council, and independent candidates David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston participated while U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican nominee and presumptive frontrunner, did not respond to multiple invitations. Tennessee Lookout photojournalist John Partipilo and Ephraim Rodenback with MTSU Seigenthaler News Service captured the event in photos.
Pregame: Prepping in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment
Showtime: The forum
Wrapping up
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