Republican businessman to become Tennessee governor

Tennessee Republican Bill Lee defeated former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean (D) to become the state’s next governor.

Lee, a wealthy businessman with no previous political experience, will succeed term-limited Gov. Bill Haslam.

Lee polled ahead of Dean throughout the campaign after securing the GOP’s nomination in August and the race had been rated “likely Republican” by Cook Political Report.

{mosads}He defeated three other Republicans for the nomination, including Rep. Diane Black (Tenn.), who was endorsed by Vice President Mike Pence.

Lee is the chairman of Lee Company, a heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing company founded by his grandfather in 1944.