By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers:
In campaigns, it’s common for candidates to tout their accomplishments — businesses built, jobs created, organizations led — and if those candidates are already elected officials, count on them to expound on their legislative accomplishments.
Senior Reporter Sam Stockard reviewed the field of candidates vying for the competitive Republican gubernatorial nomination — one a U.S. senator, one a U.S. representative and the other a state representative — and found they have passed little legislation and even less that’s effective. Which may be why they are smashing fortune cookies and dumping coffee in ads: If you can’t run on your record, baffle ‘em with baloney.
In other news:
Ad watch: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerri Green has released her second ad, a 30-second spot titled, "School is More Than a Building," touting her support for public education funding.
Candidates used to come up with cute names for their supporters. Gov. Frank Clement, and later, his son, U.S. Rep. Bob Clement, called their “The Clementines.” A few supporters of state Rep. Monty Fritts, who is running for governor, have suggested they be called “Fritters.”
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
U.S. Rep. John Rose, left, in December proposed the repeal of a measure that would let eight U.S. senators, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn, sue the government. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
Tennessee’s Republican gubernatorial candidates are far from prolific lawmakers, passing little legislation during their tenures in the state legislature and Congress.
NEWS AND NOTES
Brennan Center report predicts mass voter challenges likely in midterm elections | David Lightman, States Newsroom
ICE arrests reach new high | Tim Henderson, Stateline
COMMENTARY
Tennessee Republican leaders unveiled the states “Monument to the Unborn” on June 24, 2026, four years after the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson struck down the federal right to have an abortion. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Casey Pestona
Tennessee has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, and nearly one-third of Tennessee counties are maternity care deserts, meaning they lack maternal health care providers. A recently unveiled “Monument to the Unborn” is a poor substitute for meaningful action.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., left, and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., are among the record number of women running for governor this year. In this photo, they speak during a Senate subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on Sept. 30, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images)
by Amelia Twyman, States Newsroom
New data reveals the number of women running in the 2026 elections is slightly up from 2024, but experts say there is still progress to be made with women’s representation in public office overall.
ICYMI
75K voters cast ballots in strong start for Tennessee early voting | Cassandra Stephenson
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