A too-early look at the short list for Tennessee’s next governor

A term-limited Gov. Bill Lee will leave office in 2026 after eight years as Tennessee’s chief executive.

During Lee's tenure, Republicans have held onto their consolidated power in the state legislature and in Tennessee’s congressional delegation, where just one Democrat — U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis — represents Tennesseans in Washington, D.C. Lee has brought Tennessee into lockstep with the national GOP on issues like private school vouchers while criminalizing immigration and abortion.

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U.S. Rep. John Rose speaks at the Reagan Day Gala in Franklin, Feb. 15
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters

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Sen. Marsha Blackburn speaks at the Reagan Day Gala in Franklin, Feb. 15, 2025
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters

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Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters

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State House Speaker Cameron Sexton
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters

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State Rep. John Ray Clemmons
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters

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