Beth Harwell
› Office: Governor
› Party: Republican
› Previous public office experience:
Currently serving as speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives; elected to the House in 1988.
› Overall, I believe the country is headed in what direction (right or wrong)? Right direction
› Why I believe the country is headed in that direction: With the recent federal tax cuts and record low unemployment numbers, our country is definitely headed in the right direction. There is still work to do to rein in federal spending and waste in Washington, but I am impressed with what the Trump administration has accomplished so far.
› Why voters should choose me: I have a strong track record of leadership, fiscal responsibility and cutting taxes that I will bring to the governor’s office on Day One.
› How I distinguish myself from my opponents: My experience and leadership as speaker of the House for the last eight years are what set me apart. I’ve balanced the budget, helped cut hundreds of millions in taxes and made great strides in reforming our education system.
› Biggest challenge facing the office I seek: I think the biggest challenge facing our next governor will be continuing to build on the strong growth we’ve had in many different areas over the last eight years. We’ve made great progress in education and job growth, and it’s critical that we continue that.
› How I will address that challenge: First and foremost, we need to continue to make Tennessee the best state in which to run a business. We’ve done a lot to make our state more attractive to major manufacturers, but I think there are many ways we can improve our laws and cut taxes on the small businesses that are the backbone of many of our communities. Our other focus must be on education, and building on successes we’ve had during my time as speaker. Our testing program has been a concern that needs to be addressed, and our career and technical education programs need more investment.
› Policy position of mine that may surprise people: I am in support of a well-regulated medical marijuana law in Tennessee. I was pleased to see that President Trump signaled his support for allowing states more freedom in designing their own programs regarding marijuana, and I think it should be an option for patients with chronic conditions.
› Public servant I most admire: While home from college one summer, I watched the Watergate hearings with my grandmother. Sen. Howard Baker’s example of service inspired me, and I told my grandmother I would meet him one day. I eventually did and was fortunate to know him well through the years as a tireless supporter of Tennessee.
› Campaign office: P.O. Box 332789,
Nashville, TN 37203
› Campaign phone: 615-600-4320
› Campaign email: beth@bethharwell.com
› Campaign website: bethharwell.com
› Campaign Facebook: facebook.com/
BethHarwell
› Campaign Twitter: @BethHarwellTN
› Campaign Instagram: beth.harwell
PERSONAL
› Age: 60
› Occupation: Legislator; former college professor
› Education: Bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University; master’s degree from Peabody College; doctorate from Vanderbilt University
› Family: Husband, Sam; children, Allie, Sam and Tucker
› Residence city: Nashville
› Church/civic involvement: Church of Christ
› Quote or saying I live by: n/a
› View Times Free Press profile