Mike McWherter

Michael Ray McWherter (born 1955) is an American lawyer, businessman and politician from the state of Tennessee. He was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Tennessee in 2010.

Mike McWherter
Personal details
Born1955 (age 64–65)
Political partyDemocratic
RelativesNed McWherter (Father)
EducationVanderbilt University (BA, JD)

Early life, education and career

The son of former Tennessee governor Ned McWherter, McWherter is a native of West Tennessee. He graduated from Union City High School, and planned on attending Rice University before changing his mind.[1] McWherter earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University, after which he worked in private practice in Nashville. He later moved to Jackson to start his own business.[2]

McWherter operates the family's beer distribution business in Jackson. He is also the chairman of the board of First State Bank, headquartered in Union City, and serves on the board of directors for the Jackson Energy Authority.

Political career

Although he has never held elected office, McWherter made an attempt to challenge Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander in the 2008 election.[3] He opted out over fund raising concerns and an intense campaign season.[2]

2010 Tennessee gubernatorial campaign
See also: 2010 Tennessee gubernatorial election

On April 23, 2009, he announced he would run for Governor of Tennessee in the 2010 election. McWherter said he will run on a platform of jobs, education and fiscal responsibility.[2] Incumbent Tennessee governor, Phil Bredesen, endorsed McWherter's candidacy.[4]

He was reported as supporting a ban on unmarried (including gay) couples adopting children, indicating that he feels "having parents of the opposite sex is better for a child."[5] In the same interview he also agreed that "foster care by an opposite-sex couple was better than adoption by a same-sex couple."

McWherter supports teaching intelligent design creationism in schools alongside scientific evolution. Asked about teaching intelligent design at a debate, he replied, "I think there's a place to talk about evolution in our public schools, but I prefer a more traditional curriculum. We can blend science and religion in that regard."[6][7]

McWherter was defeated in the general election by Bill Haslam.

McWherter announced on September 6, 2013, that he would not contest a second gubernatorial run in 2014.[8]

Personal life

McWherter lives in Jackson with his wife, Mary Jane, their son Walker, and daughter Bess.[9]

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References
  1. Humphrey, Tom (September 26, 2010). "AP's Profile Story on Mike McWherter". Humphrey on the Hill. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  2. Sharp, Tracy (May 1, 2009). "Mike McWherter will seek governor's office in 2010". NWTNToday.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011.
  3. "Mike McWherter, Former Governor's Son, Eyes U.S. Senate Race". Memphis Flyer. June 24, 2007.
  4. Sisk, Chas (June 24, 2010). "Governor endorses Mike McWherter as his replacement". The Tennessean. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  5. "Coffee with the Candidate: Mike McWherter". TennesseeTicket. October 8, 2009. Archived from the original on May 3, 2010. Retrieved May 6, 2010.
  6. "While Republicans hardliners nip at Bill Haslam's heels, Mike McWherter rolls over and plays dead". Nashville Scene. July 15, 2010. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
  7. "Haslam the target in final candidate debate before primary". Nashville City Paper. July 15, 2010. Archived from the original on July 16, 2010. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
  8. "Mike McWherter: Haslam has created a 'culture of corruption' | Humphrey on the Hill". Knoxblogs.com. September 6, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2013.
  9. "Mikes Biography". Mike McWherter for Governor. Archived from the original on May 29, 2009. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
Party political offices
Preceded by
Phil Bredesen		 Democratic nominee for Governor of Tennessee
2010		 Succeeded by
Charles Brown
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