History of Governor of Tennessee in Timeline

The governor of Tennessee serves as the state's head of government and commander-in-chief of its military forces. This position is unique within the Tennessee state government as the only office directly elected by all state voters, highlighting its significant role and accountability to the populace. The governor is responsible for leading the executive branch, implementing state laws, and representing Tennessee on a national and international level. As such, the office holds substantial power and influence in shaping the state's policies and overall direction.

1932: Carl S. Driver's opinion

In 1932, biographer Carl S. Driver opined that political sectionalism in Tennessee began with the break between Jackson and Sevier.

1951: Title granted to senate speaker

In 1951, the title "lieutenant governor" was granted by statute to the speaker of the Tennessee Senate.

1975: Blanton becomes governor

In 1975, Ray Blanton became the governor.

1979: Blanton forced from office

In 1979, Ray Blanton was forced from office early due to a "coup" to forestall pardons.

1991: Bredesen becomes mayor of Nashville

In 1991, Phil Bredesen became the mayor of Nashville.

1995: Sundquist becomes governor

In 1995, Governor Sundquist took office.

1996: Ethics and welfare reforms

In 1996, Sundquist focused on ethics and welfare reforms and played a role in the creation of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority and the Families First Act.

1999: End of Bredesen's time as mayor

In 1999, Phil Bredesen's time as the mayor of Nashville came to an end.

2003: Haslam becomes mayor of Knoxville

In 2003, Bill Haslam became the mayor of Knoxville.

2003: Bredesen becomes governor

In 2003, Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, became governor.

2003: End of Sundquist's governorship

In 2003, Sundquist's time as governor came to an end.

2004: TennCare Reform

In 2004, Bredesen enacted TennCare reform, cutting the budget by more than half and removing nearly 200,000 citizens from being eligible for Medicaid.

2006: Cover Tennessee announced

In 2006, Bredesen announced Cover Tennessee, a partnership between the state and small businesses to help adults buy affordable insurance.

2006: Creation of Cover Tennessee

In 2006, Bredesen created Cover Tennessee protecting Tennesseans with preexisting conditions and expanding care to uninsured children.

2007: Education Funding

In 2007, Bredesen pushed for another increase to education funding by issuing a cigarette tax, the increase would amount to $343 million for education.

2010: End of Haslam's time as mayor

In 2010, Bill Haslam's time as the mayor of Knoxville came to an end.

2011: Haslam becomes governor

In 2011, Bill Haslam, a Republican, became governor.

2011: End of Bredesen's governorship

In 2011, Phil Bredesen's governorship ended.

2012: Haslam signs budget

In 2012, Haslam signed a budget to increase construction spending by $560 million and eliminate the inheritance and gift tax.

2017: Haslam chairs Republican Governors' Association

From 2017 to 2018, Haslam served as the chair of the Republican Governors' Association.

2017: Haslam introduces IMPROVE Act

In 2017, Haslam introduced the IMPROVE Act, aiming to provide funding for $10 billion of needed road construction.

2018: Haslam chairs Republican Governors' Association

From 2017 to 2018, Haslam served as the chair of the Republican Governors' Association, working to elect Republicans in the 2018 gubernatorial elections.

2018: Bredesen's senate race

In 2018, Bredesen's handling of TennCare played a role in his Senate race.

2018: Bredesen runs for US Senate

In 2018, Phil Bredesen ran for the US Senate against Marsha Blackburn.

2018: Haslam's final address

In 2018, during his final address before leaving office, Governor Haslam highlighted Tennessee's job growth rate, increased funding for K-12 education and teachers' salaries, tax and spending cuts, and record high high school graduation rates achieved under his administration.