Three candidates in Tennessee’s gubernatorial race participated in a live debate at Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday night, while Republican nominee Marsha Blackburn held a separate campaign event in Hendersonville, according to reporting from WSMV4. The forum featured Democratic nominee Jerri Green alongside independent candidates David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston.
Murfreesboro Forum Draws Three Gubernatorial Candidates
The Tennessee Press Association and Middle Tennessee State University hosted the debate in Murfreesboro, bringing together candidates campaigning to succeed the state’s outgoing governor. Tennessee voters will elect a new governor for the first time in eight years. Green, Hatley, and Pinkston previously confirmed their participation in the university-hosted event.
GREEN: “PUBLIC💰should go to PUBLIC schools for the PUBLIC good. Marsha Blackburn & Sexton take 💵 from voucher schemers, more interested in lining their pockets than helping children & teachers.” @Jerri_M_Green at tonight’s MTSU debate @MarshaBlackburn 🐔 hid from. #MIAMarsha… pic.twitter.com/visOPXYbuk
— https://x.com/TheTNHoller/status/2115252957830893907
While the three candidates addressed voters at the university forum, Blackburn pursued a different schedule. She hosted an event in Hendersonville to rally support for her own campaign and other Republicans on the ballot in Tennessee. Several figures joined Blackburn at the Hendersonville gathering, including state Rep. William Lamberth, Matt Van Epps, Glenn Jacobs, Johnny Garrett, and Enes Kanter Freedom.
Blackburn Defends Campaign Strategy After Skipping Debate
Following her Hendersonville event, Blackburn answered questions from reporters regarding her absence from the Murfreesboro forum. She defended her campaign’s statewide outreach strategy when asked why she decided to not attend the debate with the other three candidates.
We have met people where they are,
Blackburn told media outlets after the event. We have had dozens of meetings with people all across the state. We have knocked on a million doors. We have done tens of thousands of phone calls, and as you can see, we had a room-full here tonight.
Blackburn’s decision to bypass the debate followed earlier rejections of proposed debate schedules. The campaign trail events highlight differing strategies among the candidates as the election cycle progresses toward November.
Tennessee Voters Head to the Polls on November 3
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters across the state will cast ballots to decide who will take office as Tennessee’s next governor, concluding an election cycle that marks a shift in state leadership after eight years.
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