Photo of David Hatley

Candidate for Governor

David Hatley

Independent

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.

  • Presents himself as a builder running with "No party. No donors." and says he is funding the campaign himself.[1]
  • Says he has built nine companies in Tennessee without moving jobs overseas.[1]

Background

  • Owner, LPI, Inc., hot tub and swim spa manufacturer (Johnson City area)[2],[1]

Where they stand

  • Taxes
    Would eliminate the state sales tax on groceries and pause the state gas tax while developing a long-term road funding plan.[1]
  • Education
    Would hold the school voucher program at its current size and publish data on it rather than expand it.[1]
  • Energy & Environment
    Proposes a moratorium on new data center approvals until state rules exist and an end to related tax abatements.[1]
  • Housing
    Proposes infrastructure grants that require 5% to 10% of new developments to be homes priced at $250,000 or less.[1]
  • Health Care
    Would 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

  1. David Hatley for Governor, Hatley campaign
  2. Voter Guide: Governor, Tennessee Lookout, Invalid Date
  3. 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.

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