Three candidates in Tennessee’s gubernatorial race took part in a debate at Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday night, while Republican nominee Marsha Blackburn held a campaign event in Hendersonville instead.
Democratic nominee Jerri Green and independent candidates David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston participated in the forum, hosted by the Tennessee Press Association and Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.
Blackburn was also invited but did not attend the debate, according to WSMV’s report on the gubernatorial forum.
Why Marsha Blackburn Missed the Debate
Rather than joining the other candidates at the forum, Blackburn attended a Republican campaign event in Hendersonville on Tuesday to rally support for herself and other Republicans running for office in Tennessee.
The event featured several Republican figures, including state Rep. William Lamberth, Matt Van Epps, Glenn Jacobs, Johnny Garrett and Enes Kanter Freedom.
After the event, Blackburn answered questions from members of the media. When asked why she chose not to attend the debate with the other candidates, she pointed to her campaign’s outreach efforts across the state.
“We have met people where they are. 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 said.
Her comments came as the three participating candidates gathered to discuss the Tennessee governor’s race at the university-hosted forum.
Three Candidates Participate in Tennessee Governor Forum
Green, Hatley and Pinkston had previously indicated that they planned to participate in the debate. Blackburn was invited but did not join them.
The forum provided an opportunity for the participating candidates to appear together ahead of the November election. Tennessee voters will choose a new governor in 2026, marking the state’s first gubernatorial election in eight years.
The debate was hosted by the Tennessee Press Association and Middle Tennessee State University as part of the campaign season.
When Is Election Day in Tennessee?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Tennessee voters will decide who succeeds the outgoing governor as candidates campaign for support across the state.
For additional background on the race, read WSMV’s report on Jerri Green’s challenge to Marsha Blackburn and the proposed gubernatorial debates.
