
Candidate for Governor
David Hatley
David Hatley is an East Tennessee businessman who owns LPI, Inc., a Johnson City-area maker of hot tubs and swim spas, and is running as a self-funded independent in his first political campaign. His campaign says he has built nine companies. His platform includes ending the grocery tax, pausing new data center approvals and holding the school voucher program at its current size.
- Current or most recent role
- Owner, LPI, Inc. (hot tub and swim spa manufacturer)
- Hometown
- Gray (native of Elizabethton)
- Campaign website
- hatleyforgovernor.com
Why they say you should vote for them
The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.
Background
Where they stand
- TaxesWould eliminate the state sales tax on groceries and pause the state gas tax while developing a long-term road funding plan.[1]
- EducationWould hold the school voucher program at its current size and publish data on it rather than expand it.[1]
- Energy & EnvironmentProposes a moratorium on new data center approvals until state rules exist and an end to related tax abatements.[1]
- HousingProposes infrastructure grants that require 5% to 10% of new developments to be homes priced at $250,000 or less.[1]
- Health CareWould make a state-regulated medical cannabis program a priority of his 2027 legislative agenda.[1]
Voting record
David Hatley has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.
Sources
- David Hatley for Governor, Hatley campaign
- Voter Guide: Governor, Tennessee Lookout, Invalid Date
- Candidates for Governor, November 3, 2026 General Election, Tennessee Secretary of State, Invalid Date
Photo: David Hatley campaign (Campaign photo).
Last reviewed October 10, 2026. Spot an error or something missing? Report a correction.
Also running for Governor
- Misam Abidi (Independent)
- Marsha Blackburn (Republican)
- Dean Brewer (Independent)
- Ray Brown (Independent)
- Jerri Green (Democratic)
- Wendell Jackson (Independent)
- Charles Van Morgan (Independent)
- Eddie Lee Murphy (Independent)
- Lauren Pinkston (Independent)
- Victor L. Scoggin (Independent)
- Dave Seeman (Independent)
- Karl Knox Smithson (Independent)
- L. Webb Taylor (Independent)
- Robert C. Vick (Independent)