State Republicans were already congratulating businessman Bill Lee on his "overwhelming victory" in the governor's race as early returns began to come in on Tuesday night. Mr. Lee won over his Democratic contender, former Nashville mayor Karl Dean, with over 59 percent of the vote. It was Lee 1,333,811 and Dean 862,324. In Hamilton County, it was 74,386 for Lee to 57,720 for Dean. In Bradley County, it was Lee 26,121 and Dean 7,287.
Marsha Blackburn was declared the winner over former Governor Phil Bredesen in a race that had been projected to be much closer. She won with over 54 percent of the vote. In Hamilton County, it was Blackburn 67,108 and Bredesen 65,032. In Bradley County, it was 24,431 for Blackburn and 9,030 for Bredesen. It was Blackburn 1,225,352 and Bredesen 982,638.
Secretary of State Brian Kemp, in the latest returns, had just over the needed 50 percent of the vote in the Georgia governor race against Democrat Stacey Abrams. Ted Metz, Libertarian, had .9 percent.
Scott Golden, state GOP chairman, said, "Congratulations to Bill Lee on his overwhelming victory in becoming Tennessee’s 50th governor.
“Bill’s victory tonight shows that Tennesseans in every community believe in him and his vision for the future. I have no doubt that Bill is the right man to lead our state from good to great as Tennessee’s chief executive.”
Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said, "I would like to congratulate Bill Lee on his victorious campaign for governor. After watching how Bill connects with people and inspires our citizens, I am convinced he is the perfect person to lead our state at this moment. We are in strong position as a state but there is more left to do. Bill is an executive and CEO who is just as comfortable on a farm or factory floor as he is in a boardroom. As a state, Tennessee is on the cusp of moving to the next level and truly leading the nation. Bill Lee is the next level leader who can take us there."
The Lee campaign said, "Tonight, conservative businessman, farmer and Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Lee won the Tennessee governorship by an overwhelming margin over Democrat nominee Mayor Karl Dean."
Mr. Lee said, “I offer congratulations to Karl Dean on a race well run. Running for governor is tough work, and it means a lot to put yourself out there to the voters - we need more involvement in the public discourse, not less, and I thank Karl for his commitment to our state.”
Lee campaign officials said, "The General Election victory comes after a 19-month campaign, including a hotly contested primary race in which Lee refused to use negative campaign tactics. Throughout the campaign, Lee has traveled to all 95 counties multiple times and focused on three priorities: good schools, good jobs and safe neighborhoods."
During his victory speech on Election night, Mr. Lee thanked voters and supporters and committed to being a governor "who unifies Tennesseans through finding what binds us together as a state and a nation."
He said, “I want to speak for just a second to those who may not have voted for me tonight: I want you to know from the bottom of my heart, I care about you, I care about your family, and I’m going to do my very best to make you proud that I’m your governor.”
Bill Lee is the chairman of Lee Company, a family-owned construction, facilities and home services company with offices and operations throughout Middle Tennessee, Northern Alabama and Southern Kentucky. Lee Company employs more than 1,200 people and has annual revenue in excess of $220 million.
In addition to his work with Lee Company, Mr. Lee is also active in Triple L Ranch, a fourth-generation family farm, which operates a 1,000-acre, 400-head Hereford cattle operation, providing natural beef to farmers markets and farm to table restaurants throughout Middle Tennessee.
Lt. Governor McNally said of the Blackburn victory, "Marsha Blackburn ran an outstanding campaign from start to finish. When the pundits had all but counted her out, she just fought harder. Marsha is the conservative champion we need in Washington to fight for the Trump agenda. She fought for Tennessee values in the legislature and in Congress. She will now continue the fight as Senator. I am grateful she will join a Senate majority in Washington committed to putting America First. Having served at the state level as well as the federal level, Marsha will help bring power back to the states and truly make America great again."
National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Chairman Chris W. Cox said, "On behalf of our nearly six million members, the National Rifle Association congratulates Marsha Blackburn on her election as U.S. Senator from Tennessee. Blackburn is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, and she will work hard to protect our constitutional freedoms. Once again, NRA members and Second Amendment supporters made a difference by showing up to the polls and voting. Today, Tennessee voters rejected the extreme gun control agenda backed by Michael Bloomberg and sent a clear message in support of our Second Amendment right to self-defense."