Green and Pinkston speak after gubernatorial forum. Here are the biggest takeaways

Three out of four gubernatorial candidates in Tennessee participated Tuesday night in a forum held at Middle Tennessee State University a week before voters elect a new official to the state’s highest office.  

​Democratic nominee Jerri Green and independent candidates David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston attended the event, hosted by the Tennessee Press Association. The candidates answered questions about solutions to voters’ biggest concerns — including affordability, Tennessee vouchers, healthcare system and the decrease of rural hospitals.

The forum marked the only nonpartisan event between candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election. Republican nominee and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn did not respond to an invitation to participate. Blackburn, the projected favorite to win the governor’s race, is yet to debate her political opponents in the gubernatorial race. 

The forum took place in a studio at MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment department and aired live on the Tennessee Press Association’s YouTube channel, among other platforms.

​Following the forum, Pinkston and Green answered press questions. Hatley declined the invitation. 

Here are the biggest takeaways from a post-forum availability with the candidates. 

Green and Hatley call out Blackburn

During the forum and press conference, Green repeatedly called out the Tennessee senator for not attending. Green has invited Blackburn at least four times to debate during the gubernatorial race, though Blackburn has repeatedly declined. 

“She won’t even take your questions,” Green said to members of the press. “If you can’t answer your questions, you don’t have the answers. That’s why she wouldn’t be on this debate stage with me tonight.” 

During the forum, Hately also criticized Blackburn for her absence.

“She’s been in Washington for over 20 years, but didn’t think it was important to show up to a job interview for the highest job in the state of Tennessee,” Hatley said.  

Blackburn hosted a rally in Hendersville at the same time as the debate, according to her X account.

Green says Tennesseans will face ‘facism’ if she isn’t elected

When asked what Tennesseans would miss if she was not elected as governor, Green said she believes the state is nearing authoritarianism. 

“We are the front lines of fascism, and I’m not extracting,” Green said. In reference to the far right political movement, she continued, “Every space and place they can, they are testing out what democracy will tolerate,” she said in reference to far-right movements.   In closing, Green said Tennesseans need someone who will push back against policies that could threaten American democracy. 

 “It is important to choose someone who is going to push back,” Green said. “Our government works best when there are people that have a give and take, a push and a pull.”

Pinkston believes Tennesseans are ready for an independent governor  

Despite Tennessee never electing an independent for governor, Pinkston believes the state is ready for a governor not from one of the major parties. 

“I believe Tennessee has what it takes to set the tone for the rest of the country to show them what it looks like to actually move out of the two-party system and into something new and modern,” Pinkston told media members after the forum. 

 As of 2026, 43% of Americans identify as independents, higher than Democrats or Republicans, according to U.S. polling data.

During the broadcast, Hatley agreed Tennessee is ready for an independent governor.

“Tennessee has a great opportunity right now to elect something outside of a politician and see what can be changed in the government from the outside and in,” Hatley said. 

While Pinkston and Hatley believe the state could see its first independent governor, the race presents an upward climb, as Blackburn and Green maintain ownership in the polls, as both Pinkston and Hatley trail.  

“I’m sure they loved their 15 minutes of fame, but they do not have the numbers to win this race,” Green said. 

Early voting ends in Tennessee on Oct. 29. The general election takes place Nov. 3. If elected, Blackburn, Green or Pinkston would become Tennessee’s first female governor. 

Gary Davis is a student journalist at Middle Tennessee State University. This story was reported in partnership with the MTSU Seigenthaler News Service.