Bill Lee

Force in Play

Paused executions for the rest of 2026 and ordered an independent review; the next governor will decide whether Tennessee tries Pike again

Christa Pike is walking, eating and speaking in full sentences nearly four weeks after Tennessee failed to execute her. Her lawyers say she still loses her train of thought and forgets things.

Updated Oct 26

Built World

As of September 2026: In office; championed the Transportation Modernization Act

Tennessee approved a private consortium's $9.2 billion plan to build tolled express lanes on Interstate 24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. DriveTN will pay the state $24.8 billion over 50 years in exchange for the right to build and operate the lanes.

Updated Sep 17

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Convened special legislative session on May 5 to redraw congressional map targeting Rep. Steve Cohen's Memphis seat

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on April 29, 2026, in Louisiana v. Callais. Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the main federal tool minority voters have used for four decades to challenge racially discriminatory maps, now requires plaintiffs to prove intentional discrimination before courts can order a remedy.

Updated May 31

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Awaiting federal Major Disaster Declaration approval for 23 counties; recovery coordination ongoing

Winter Storm Fern killed over 150 people by early February 2026, following 106 deaths on January 28. The storm brought ice and heavy snow across a 2,000-mile path from Texas to Maine, prompting President Trump to declare federal emergencies in 10+ states as peak power outages exceeded 1 million, 14,000+ flights were canceled (the worst aviation disruption since COVID-19), and wind chills dropped to minus 50°F. Fatalities came from hypothermia, traffic accidents, and ice-related incidents: Tennessee reported 29 deaths, Mississippi 28, Louisiana 8, New York City 8 people frozen outdoors, with additional deaths in Kentucky and in Texas where 3 boys drowned after falling through pond ice.

Updated May 26