Democratic nominee for Governor of Tennessee, Memphis Councilwoman Jerri Green has formally challenged Senator Marsha Blackburn to a series of statewide debates, pointing to Blackburn’s own previously stated belief in the critical importance of public debate. 
In a letter addressing the Republican Senator, Green highlighted a column penned by Blackburn on July 18, 2024, titled ‘Now More Than Ever, America Needs Robust, Bipartisan, and Respectful Debate.’ Noting that she has spent 327 days calling for a public forum, Green urged her opponent to step up and face Tennessee voters directly.
The Jerri Green for Governor campaign has put forward four proposed debate dates across the state, with exact venue locations to be announced:
● September 30, 2026: Brentwood, TN
● October 3, 2026: Nashville, TN
● October 9, 2026: Memphis, TN
October 16, 2026: Knoxville, TN
The Green campaign noted that their previous offer to Blackburn remains open for her to name any alternative time and place of her choosing.
In her letter to Blackburn, Green wrote:
“On July 18, 2024, you penned a column titled ‘Now More Than Ever, America Needs Robust, Bipartisan, and Respectful Debate.’ I couldn’t agree more. That is why, after 327 days of calling for one, I am extending this formal invitation for a public debate where we stand next to each other and say what we stand for.
Our campaign is available on the following dates, but the offer still stands to name the time and name the place of your choosing.
I have already held 170+ public town halls in every corner of our state, and the question that comes up at every single stop is: ‘When will Marsha debate you?’ Voters deserve to hear directly from those seeking to represent them: face-to-face, without pre-screened questions.
If you can’t take the questions, you don’t have the answers. Voters are owed the answers to their questions from anyone running for the top job in the state.
I will show up on these dates in these communities, with or without you. I urge you to do the right thing. Voters should not be taken for granted.”
Independent candidate David Hatley has also indicated a desire to debate Blackburn between now and the November 3 general election.
Hatley says: “Tennesseans deserve more than a 30-second TV ad written by a D.C. consulting firm. They deserve to see the person asking for their vote stand on a stage, take real questions, and give real answers — not talking points that have been focus-grouped by out-of-state donors and special interests. I’ve built businesses and made payroll in this state for thirty years, and I’m not afraid to defend my record or my plans in front of the people I want to serve. The question is whether Marsha Blackburn is.”
Another active independent candidate, Lauren Pinkston, has also previously indicated a desire to debate Blackburn.
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
