Tennessee Governor Takes Significant Voucher Stance with Primary Backing. Can it Succeed?

(Original content from Chalkbeat. Subscribe to their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters)

Located in Franklin, Tennessee, the Halfway Market is a popular spot for locals seeking good food and pleasant conversation. Republican candidate Brian Beathard is engaging with the community as he runs for a key legislative seat with substantial implications for the state’s education system.

Considered a strong contender to fill the shoes of departing state Rep. Sam Whitson, Beathard has a solid track record. Serving on the Williamson County Commission and currently chairing it since 2010, he has consistently promoted efficiency, competence, and conservatism in a largely Republican area.

Endorsed by prominent local figures, including Whitson, multiple mayors, and a former sheriff, Beathard stands out among the three Republican contenders for the District 65 seat. His extensive residency and work history in the affluent suburbs south of Nashville set him apart.

In a surprising turn, Governor Bill Lee refrained from endorsing Beathard due to his position on a contentious issue: private school vouchers.

Despite the setback, Lee remains committed to advancing his agenda of providing taxpayer-funded private school tuition for all Tennessee students, including those from affluent families, under the guise of “school choice.”

Although the governor’s universal voucher legislation faced obstacles in the recent session, he is now actively supporting specific Republican candidates in preparation for another attempt.

Aligned with former Rep. Whitson, Beathard opposes Lee’s voucher plan, particularly for Williamson County, known for hosting top-performing public school districts and major corporate headquarters.

Instead of endorsing Beathard, Lee is throwing his weight behind Lee Reeves, a real estate investor and attorney who recently relocated to Tennessee from Texas. Reeves, who backs school vouchers, is contending against candidate Michelle Foreman, a former member of the state’s Republican executive committee.

The winner of the three-way Republican primary on Aug. 1 is positioned to succeed Whitson, as Lee strives to secure legislative support for his policy agenda.

Governor’s Risk: Involvement in Contested Primaries

Following setbacks in the legislature regarding his voucher proposal, Governor Lee has adopted a strategy to support legislative candidates based on their stance on school choice.

Emulating tactics used in Iowa and Texas, Lee’s endorsement choices signify his commitment to advancing his voucher initiative and removing anti-voucher candidates from the political landscape.

While Lee’s hardball approach reflects his dedication, political analysts emphasize the potential risks associated with his strategy, particularly if non-endorsed candidates gain traction against voucher proponents.

Beathard, a small-business owner, maintains a nuanced stance on vouchers, advocating for local autonomy in deciding on voucher implementation, a perspective not accommodated in Lee’s previous legislation.

Voucher Advocacy and Political Influence

Lee’s support in local races, consistent with a pro-voucher group’s endorsements, underscores his alignment with proponents of school choice.

Amidst significant financial backing from pro-voucher entities, the political landscape in Tennessee reflects a national trend of advocating for voucher-friendly candidates.

Whitson and other critics express concerns about external influences and potential for dark money to infiltrate local campaigns, complicating the political discourse around vouchers.

Future Prospects for Vouchers in Tennessee

Lee’s ambitions for statewide vouchers face challenges given the political dynamics within the Tennessee legislature. While the Senate may be receptive, garnering House support remains a key obstacle.

The divisive nature of vouchers, combined with historical voting discrepancies, highlights the uphill battle for Lee as he seeks to translate his voucher platform into legislative action.

As the voucher debate continues, partisan sentiments and ideological priorities shape the discourse, influencing voter perceptions and political outcomes.

Ultimately, the outcome of the ongoing political maneuvering surrounding vouchers will determine the future direction of education policy in Tennessee.

(Marta Aldrich, Senior Correspondent at Chalkbeat Tennessee, covers state education policy. Contact her at maldrich@chalkbeat.org. Chalkbeat is a non-profit platform reporting on educational reforms in public schools.)