Rep. Monty Fritts, a Kingston Republican and candidate for Tennessee governor in 2026. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Photograph by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout ©2025

Two Tennessee Republican gubernatorial candidates are pushing to expand the state’s private-school voucher program, but a third candidate says he would “suspend” the so-called scholarships, calling it “fiscally irresponsible.”

State Rep. Monty Fritts of Kingston told the Lookout this week he considers the governor’s new program unconstitutional and would try to block expansion on those grounds.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Rep. John Rose have said in various public comments they support vouchers. Blackburn is considered the favorite in the primary election that will take place in August 2026.

Fritts’

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