NASHVILLE – Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd hits the road next week with visits to Chattanooga and seven other Tennessee cities and towns as he gears up his 2018 campaign following Monday’s official announcement.
A Knoxville businessman and state government’s former chief jobs recruiter, Boyd is scheduled to come to Chattanooga next Thursday for a noon event at the Edney Innovation Center, considered the “hub” of the city’s Innovation District for entrepreneurs.
Chattanooga is the final city of his tour with prior Boyd stops, beginning Monday, scheduled Knoxville, Nashville, Jackson, Memphis, Union City, Fruitvale and the Tri-Cities.
Boyd served as Republican Gov. Bill Haslam’s Economic and Community Development commissioner until last month.
“While serving as ECD commissioner, I traveled to all 95 counties to make sure I was listening to and in touch with what was on the minds of Tennesseans,” Boyd said in a news release. ” So Jenny and I could not be more excited about getting back out there to visit with so many friends and potential supporters in every corner of the state.”
Boyd officially launched his campaign for Governor earlier this week.
State Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, has already said he is running for GOP nomination. Other Republicans expected to run or who are seriously considering it include U.S. Rep. Diane Black of Gallatin.; state House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville; state Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville and Franklin businessman Bill Lee.
On the Democratic side, former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has already announced he is running. State House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley said he expects to run but has made no formal announcement yet.