By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers:
For the first time since 2018, the Tennessee governor’s seat is open and there’s hot competition for the Republican nomination, as two well-funded federal officials and a long shot state representative vie for the chance to head into the November general election.
If you’ve been seeing political ads, you may already know that U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has been in office for 30 years, has a distaste for China and aligns herself with President Donald Trump. You may also be aware U.S. Rep. John Rose has a background as both a farmer and a businessman and aligns himself with Trump. State Rep. Monty Fritts doesn’t have the ad budget of his adversaries but a look at his social media tells you he is about “Liberty and Less Government.”
So Senior Reporter Sam Stockard decided to hone in on a couple of issues when talking to the candidates and by “talking,” we mean he talked to Rose and Fritts; Blackburn responded to questions by email.
Scroll down to get the GOP candidates’ views on the death penalty and bringing back “Old Sparky” and on how long the. Tennessee National Guard should be deployed in Memphis.
In other news:
Cue the sad trombones. Last week, NewsChannel 5 in Nashville announced they would hold a Republican gubernatorial debate with one catch: In what has become a pattern, Blackburn said she would not attend. What an opportunity for Rose and Fritts but whoopsidoodle! On Monday, after Rose withdrew as well, NewsChannel 5 scrapped the event.
A Trump endorsement! President Donald Trump on TruthSocial endorsed state Sen. Brent Taylor, who is running for the Republican nomination in the newly-drawn 9th Congressional District.
Stolen valor? The conservative Washington Examiner reported Brian Stewart, a GOP candidate for State House 45 whose website prominently notes his service as a U.S. Marine, did not finish out his 4-year hitch and left with a “less than honorable” discharge.
We’re Number 1! We’re Number 1! A report released Saturday by CNBC rates Tennessee as “America’s Worst Place to Live in 2026,” citing high rates of violent crime, the third-highest rate of drug deaths and discrimination against LGBTQ+ Tennesseans.
Whoops. This one is on us. On Monday, we reported early voting starts Thursday. That’s wrong! It begins Friday, July 17.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Tennessee Republican gubernatorial candidates , clockwise from left, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts talk death penalty methods and the National Guard in Memphis. (Photos: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn wants to bring back the electric chair; state Rep. Monty Fritts disapproves of Gov. Bill Lee’s recent 1-year reprieve of a death penalty inmate and U.S. Rep. John Rose advocates for the most human method of execution.
NEWS AND NOTES
After US Sen Lindsey Graham’s death, Trump recommends Graham’s sister to fill out term | Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom
Judge blasts Trump for using the presidency to ‘manipulate’ courts in IRS case | Ashley Murray, States Newsroom
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Population growth predictions assume job creation at BlueOval City's Tennessee Truck Center and battery plant will bring more people to rural West Tennessee. Production delays have pushed out hiring, and population increases have yet to fully materialize. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson/Tennessee Lookout)
by Cassie Stephenson
Most West Tennessee counties aren’t growing as quickly as projected following Nashville the 2021 announcement Ford Motor Co. and SK On, a Korean company, would build a manufacturing campus in the area, recent population data shows.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Thermal imaging captures a July 4, 2026 fire that destroyed portions of the former Somerville Elementary School in Fayette County, Tennessee. (Photo Courtesy of Fayette County Emergency Management Agency)
by Cassandra Stephenson
Burned portions of a historic former elementary school in Fayette County are set to be demolished this week after a July 4 fire damaged the unused property and raised concerns of asbestos exposure.
ICYMI
COMMENTARY
Speechless in Knoxville | Bruce Barry
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