David Hatley speaks to supporters in Hendersonville, Oct. 28, 2026

David Hatley speaks to supporters in Hendersonville, Oct. 28, 2026

David Hatley, a successful businessman preaching Christian and conservative values, has quietly amassed broad support from disaffected voters across the state in his self-funded run for governor.

Like many Tennesseans, Hatley identifies as a conservative, but takes liberal shots at the state GOP, corruption in politics and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the race’s Republican frontrunner.