How Tennessee Democrats have fared in governor races
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In the 16 years since Gov. Phil Bredesen won re-election with 69% of the vote, Tennessee Democrats have failed to seriously compete in a gubernatorial race.
Why it matters: While border states like North Carolina and Georgia have morphed into the nation's preeminent battlegrounds, Tennessee has grown more conservative.
- Jason Martin, a Middle Tennessee doctor running for governor, is trying to turn things around for Democrats.
By the numbers: Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean won 39% of the vote four years ago, the high watermark for state Democrats in the post-Bredesen era.
Flashback: Prior to Dean, political unknown Charlie Brown won 23% in 2014. Mike McWherter mustered 33% in 2010. Bill Haslam, a Republican, won both of those elections.
Zoom out: Incumbent Republican Gov. Bill Lee is seen as the heavy favorite with early voting for the Nov. 8 election already underway.
- Lee has declined to debate Martin and has led an uneventful re-election campaign devoid of rallies or stump speeches. His ads tout Tennessee's low taxes and emphasis on educating for skilled trades.
What he's saying: Martin has called the race "absolutely winnable," per the Nashville Scene. He has been critical of Lee's approach to a wide range of policies, including abortion and charter schools.
- A campaign spokesperson tells Axios in an emailed statement that Martin has "built a policy prescription for prosperity that benefits ALL Tennesseans."