The Friday Flicker · Issue #23
Tennessee Voters Elect Bill Lee to Third Term, Split on Amendment 1
Good evening,
This week, Marsha Blackburn was elected Tennessee's next governor, and the state's political landscape shifted in ways that could shape policy debates for years.
We broke down how every county voted, what the turnout patterns show, and where the shifts were sharpest. You'll also find Governor-elect Blackburn's early agenda, including her plans for education policy and school choice.
The Lead
How Tennessee Voted in 2026 | Tennessee Firefly
All 95 of Tennessee’s 95 counties moved toward Democrats. Marsha Blackburn won the governor’s race by 2.6 points, down from 32 for Bill Lee in 2022. A county-by-county analysis of the November 3 results.
Read the full story →Also in this issue
Blackburn Wins Governor As Democrats Make Gains In Tennessee
Republicans held Tennessee’s statewide and state Senate races but lost six state House seats and possibly one congressional seat.
Jacob Holley
Blackburn Puts Education, Affordability on Early Agenda
Blackburn said school choice would be one of her early priorities.
Jacob Holley
THEC Backs New UT Degree, Workforce-Focused Funding as Hargett Becomes Chairman
Commissioners approved a new business technology program.
Jacob Holley
UT Knoxville Programs Clear New Federal Earnings Test
All 60 undergraduate programs in the test will retain future student loan eligibility.
Jacob Holley
Knox County Schools Considers Changing Start Times to Cut Bus Costs
The district is considering fewer bus routes and different school schedules.
Jacob Holley
That's all for this week. Look for more news in your inbox next week.
The Friday Flicker