Mae Beavers endorses Bill Lee for GOP gubernatorial nomination

Former state Sen. Mae Beavers of Mount Juliet, who abandoned a run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination earlier this year and is now running for mayor of Wilson County, has endorsed Williamson County businessman Bill Lee in the governor’s race.

Press release from Bill Lee campaign

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Today, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee released the following statement in response to the endorsement of former gubernatorial candidate, Senator Mae Beavers:

“It is an honor to have the support of a Tennessee conservative leader like Mae Beavers. Maria and I got to know Mae and her husband Jerry on the campaign trail, and I know they both have a deep passion and love for Tennessee and our nation. Her leadership in the conservative movement and in the legislature is well known to all, and I am humbled and grateful to have her joining my team.”

Bill Lee is now the only candidate in the Republican Primary to have the endorsement from a former gubernatorial candidate in this election cycle. The endorsement shows the continued momentum for his campaign and shows conservatives are rallying around him as we head into early voting next month.

A Beavers comment, via Tennessee Star:

“I endorse Bill Lee because I believe he’s the true conservative in the race for governor. He has said he will clean up state government, reduce the number of departments, and he has said he will reduce the influence of lobbyists,” Beavers told The Tennessee Star in an exclusive interview Wednesday afternoon.

Further from a Beavers’ press release, via The Tennessean:

“He has displayed virtues of honesty, trust, and has been a God- fearing example,” Beavers was quoted in the release. “It is very important to me that our Tennessee conservative values are carried on. 

“I have been on the front lines in our state and local governments, and I know how important it is for conservative leadership,” she said. “Like President Donald Trump, Bill Lee is ready to come in from the outside, and take on the permanent political class in Nashville.”