TNFirefly · Newsletter · NOW PLAYING
the friday flicker
No. 23
Fri · 7 Nov · 2026
Side B
 
From the Editor

Good evening,

This week, Marsha Blackburn was elected Tennessee's next governor, and the state's political landscape shifted in ways that could shape policy debates for years.

We broke down how every county voted, what the turnout patterns show, and where the shifts were sharpest. You'll also find Governor-elect Blackburn's early agenda, including her plans for education policy and school choice.

The Week That Was

How Tennessee Voted in 2026 | Tennessee Firefly

All 95 of Tennessee’s 95 counties moved toward Democrats. Marsha Blackburn won the governor’s race by 2.6 points, down from 32 for Bill Lee in 2022. A county-by-county analysis of the November 3 results.

Side A
 
The Week
in One Frame
Reader Poll
Does the 2026 shift surprise you?
Yes
No
I haven't followed it
One tap — your response is recorded instantly.
Blackburn Wins Governor As Democrats Make Gains In Tennessee
The Drop · Elections
Blackburn Wins Governor As Democrats Make Gains In Tennessee

Republicans held Tennessee’s statewide and state Senate races but lost six state House seats and possibly one congressional seat.

Read the Story →
You Missed
Elections
Blackburn Puts Education, Affordability on Early Agenda
Blackburn said school choice would be one of her early priorities.
College and Higher Edu...
THEC Backs New UT Degree, Workforce-Focused Funding as Hargett Becomes Chairman
Commissioners approved a new business technology program.
College and Higher Edu...
UT Knoxville Programs Clear New Federal Earnings Test
All 60 undergraduate programs in the test will retain future student loan eligibility.
Local Education
Knox County Schools Considers Changing Start Times to Cut Bus Costs
The district is considering fewer bus routes and different school schedules.
See You Tuesday

That's all for this week. Look for more news in your inbox next week.

The Friday Flicker.
Your Friday recap. The week's biggest stories, the ones that slipped past, and what's worth catching up on before the weekend.
You are receiving this because you subscribed to The Friday Flicker.
View in browser · Unsubscribe
Powered by Long Drive Leads