Bill Lee, a seventh-generation Tennessean, has served as the 50th Governor of Tennessee since January 2019. Born on October 9, 1959, in Franklin, Tennessee, he was raised on his family’s cattle farm and later earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University in 1981. Before entering politics, Lee was the president and CEO of the Lee Company, a family-owned construction and home services business.
Most Recent Election Victory
In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Lee secured re-election, continuing his tenure as governor.
Political Path to Becoming Governor
Lee announced his candidacy for governor in 2017, positioning himself as a conservative outsider with a focus on business acumen and rural development. He won the Republican primary in 2018 and subsequently defeated Democratic nominee Karl Dean in the general election, assuming office on January 19, 2019.
Key Proposals and Policies
- Education: Lee has been a strong proponent of school choice. In 2025, he supported legislation to expand the state’s school voucher program, allowing more families to use public funds for private education, regardless of income. This initiative aimed to provide parents with greater flexibility in their children’s education.
- Public Safety: In 2023, following a tragic school shooting in Nashville, Lee called for a special legislative session to address public safety. His proposals included measures to enhance school security and support for law enforcement, while emphasizing the preservation of constitutional rights.
Key Vetoes
As of now, there are no widely reported instances of Governor Lee exercising his veto power on major legislation.
Stances on Gun Rights vs. Gun Control
Lee has consistently supported Second Amendment rights. In 2021, he signed legislation allowing Tennesseans aged 21 and older to carry handguns without a permit, reflecting his commitment to expanding gun rights. However, in response to increasing concerns about gun violence, he has also advocated for measures to enhance public safety, such as strengthening background checks and increasing mental health support, while maintaining a balance with constitutional rights.
Stances on Economic Issues
Lee’s administration has focused on fostering economic growth through business-friendly policies. He has emphasized the importance of workforce development, particularly in rural areas, and has implemented initiatives to attract investment and create jobs. His fiscal policies have aimed at maintaining low taxes and reducing regulatory burdens to stimulate economic activity.
Stances on Social Issues
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Lee has signed several pieces of legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, he signed a bill requiring businesses to post notices if they allow transgender individuals to use restrooms aligning with their gender identity. He also signed a bill restricting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. These actions have drawn criticism from advocacy groups who argue that such laws are discriminatory.
- Abortion: Lee is a staunch opponent of abortion. Under his administration, Tennessee enacted one of the nation’s strictest abortion bans, prohibiting the procedure once a fetal heartbeat is detected, with few exceptions. He has consistently advocated for pro-life policies and has supported measures to restrict access to abortion services.
Controversial Statements and Actions
- Education Advisor Remarks: In 2022, Lee faced backlash after a video surfaced showing him sitting silently as Larry Arnn, president of Hillsdale College and an education advisor, made disparaging comments about teachers, stating that “teachers are trained in the dumbest parts of the dumbest colleges in the country.” Lee later praised teaching as both a profession and a calling, seeking to defuse the backlash.
- Ethics Violation: In 2024, the Tennessee Ethics Commission ruled that Lee violated state law by accepting a trip to Florida funded by an organization, which was considered an improper gift. The commission’s decision highlighted concerns about transparency and adherence to ethical guidelines within his administration.
Governor Bill Lee’s tenure has been marked by a blend of traditional conservative policies and initiatives aimed at reforming various sectors within Tennessee. While he has achieved significant legislative successes, his administration has also faced criticism and legal challenges, reflecting the complexities of governing in a diverse and evolving political landscape.
