Two candidates are squaring off to be the Democratic nominee for governor of Tennessee.
Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and state Rep. Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley will compete for the chance to face one of four Republican candidates in November’s general election. They hope to succeed Gov. Bill Haslam and become the first Democratic governor in eight years.
The primary election is on Aug. 2, with early voting July 13-28.
Tennessee’s next governor will significantly shape public education, and voters have told pollsters that it’s one of the top issues in this year’s race.
We asked the candidates about their own educational experiences and choices, how they would address Tennessee’s standardized testing challenges, whether the state should spend more money on schools, and more.
Below, find their answers, which have been lightly edited for grammar, style, and length. You can sort by candidate.
Also, read the responses of Republican candidates here.