Beth Harwell Enters Tennessee Governor's Race

NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell is running to be the state's next governor, the Republican tells The Tennessean.

Harwell's announcement comes as no surprise. She briefly considered running in 2010 but speculation she'd run to succeed fellow Republican Bill Haslam really ramped up after she became the first woman elected to lead the state House of Representatives in 2011. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

“I think I have a proven, practical results record. I have been in state government and proved that I know a great deal about our state. I have the knowledge and experience to hit the ground running on day one,” Harwell told The Tennessean. “As governor, I will lead on jobs, cutting taxes, guaranteeing every child has a great school and ensuring our Tennessee values are protected.”

Largely seen as a moderate who has been able to use her political influence and the powers of her office to quash some — though not all — of the more controversial legislative efforts by the right wing of her party, Harwell joins businessman and former economic development commissioner Randy Boyd, businessman Bill Lee, State Sen. Mae Beavers and Tea Party activist (and long-time Beavers supporter) Kay White.

U.S. Rep. Diane Black is also widely believed to be interested in the GOP nomination.