Tennessee Candidates Debate at Middle Tennessee State
Jerri Green, David Hatley, and Lauren Pinkston participate in a gubernatorial debate at the university.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Political Parties

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Jerri Green, David Hatley, and Lauren Pinkston are set to take the stage for a Tennessee gubernatorial debate. The event will be hosted at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.
Why it matters
This debate provides voters a platform to evaluate the candidates vying for the governorship of Tennessee. Notably, Republican nominee Marsha Blackburn will not participate in the session.
The gubernatorial debate is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. eastern and will be available for public viewing via a livestream. This event occurs as the state heads toward the upcoming election cycle.
The players
Jerri Green
She is a participant in the Tennessee gubernatorial debate.
David Hatley
He is a candidate taking part in the upcoming gubernatorial debate.
Lauren Pinkston
She is one of the candidates scheduled to debate at the university.
Marsha Blackburn
She is the Republican nominee for the Tennessee gubernatorial election who will not attend the debate.
Middle Tennessee State University
This public research university located in Murfreesboro serves as the site for the debate.
The details
The candidates will gather at the university to discuss their platforms and visions for Tennessee. The session is open for the public to view through a broadcast stream.
Timeline
The gubernatorial debate begins on October 27, 2026, at 8 p.m. eastern.
Political Context
Opposing groups and political analysts often emphasize that these forums are essential for voter education regardless of candidate attendance. Critics of such events frequently argue that the absence of major nominees limits the scope of the political discourse.
Viewers can observe how each candidate addresses issues that may influence state governance and policy. This debate serves as a resource for taxpayers to assess the potential impact of each candidate on future state regulations.
The takeaway
Voters should look to the livestream to understand the specific policy differences presented by the participating candidates. Comparing these platforms is a critical step for residents preparing for the upcoming election.
Further reading
For more on the candidates and their platforms, visit Political Parties.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGRV.
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