David Hatley
Recent media appearances
None found as of Nov 9, 2026
Top articles
Overview
David Hatley is a manufacturer who grew up in Elizabethton in Carter County. His campaign says he has built nine companies, including a hot tub manufacturer with about 750 employees in Tennessee, and set up an employee stock ownership plan. hatleyforgovernor.com
He ran for governor as an independent and self-funded his campaign. He has said he has been a Republican his entire life. hatleyforgovernor.com nashvillepost.com
Platform
- Proposes eliminating the state sales tax on groceries, paid for with budget cuts.hatleyforgovernor.com
- Proposes making the state auditor an independent, elected, nonpartisan office with subpoena power.hatleyforgovernor.com
- Proposes banning campaign contributions from major state contractors and ending most no-bid contracts.hatleyforgovernor.com
- Proposes pausing new data center approvals and directing at least half of new data center tax revenue to local property tax cuts.hatleyforgovernor.com
- Proposes state infrastructure grants for developments that set aside 5 to 10% of homes at $250,000 or less.hatleyforgovernor.com
- Proposes a state-regulated medical cannabis program with physician oversight.hatleyforgovernor.com