Clarksville Republican First to File for 2018 Tennessee Governor's Race

NASHVILLE, TN — State Sen. Mark Green, a Clarksville Republican, filed paperwork to run for Tennessee governor in 2018 and hired Donald Trump's state director to lead his campaign. Gov. Bill Haslam is term-limited.

Green's candidacy comes as little surprise. His name has been bandied about as a potential successor to Haslam and he has been on a statewide tour in the weeks leading up to the return of the General Assembly. Green is the first candidate to formally enter the race, which allows him to raise and spend money on a gubernatorial run.

Green told The Tennessean he has hired Darren Morris, the state director for Donald Trump's campaign, but that he would not hold a campaign announcement until the end of the legislative year because he does not want "the session to be clouded by my run for governor."

Green has filed 10 bills to reform the state's taxes, including removal of the professional privilege tax.

Among those expected to join Green on the ballot is fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Diane Black. Former Nashville mayor Karl Dean, a Democrat, will make his decision on whether to run early this year. Prominent Democratic Party fundraiser Bill Freeman, who finished third in the 2015 Metro mayor's race, has not ruled out a run.

Image via State of Tennessee.