Trump endorses Tennessee gubernatorial candidate after primary

President Trump on Friday endorsed Nashville businessman Bill Lee (R) in the Tennessee governor’s race after Lee won the Republican nomination Thursday night.

“He ran a great campaign and now will finish off the job in November,” Trump tweeted of Lee. “Bill has my total and enthusiastic Endorsement!”

Congratulations to Bill Lee of Tennessee on his big primary win for Governor last night. He ran a great campaign and now will finish off the job in November. Bill has my total and enthusiastic Endorsement!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2018

Lee, an outsider and first-time candidate, defeated former state economic development commissioner Randy Boyd (R) and Rep. Diane Black (R) in the primary. He will face Democrat and former Nashville mayor Karl Dean in November. 

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Vice President Pence had endorsed Black in the primary, but Trump had remained out of the governor’s race. Politico reported that he considered weighing in and possibly endorsing Black, but decided against it.

.@DianeBlackTN is running for Governor of TN & a strong supporter of #MAGA agenda of tax cuts, military $$ & a champion of right to life policies. There are great candidates running but Diane has been my friend for years, we served together in the House, & she has my support!

— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) July 27, 2018

Trump has previously praised Black, who was chairwoman of the House Budget Committee, for helping pass the GOP tax law.

Politico reported that Black had attempted to tie herself to Trump in campaign ads despite not receiving a formal endorsement.