NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Voters decided Tuesday who will serve as governor of Tennessee for the next four years.
The gubernatorial race pit incumbent Republican Governor Bill Lee against Democratic challenger Jason Martin as well as several independent challengers.
Election results began filtering in when polls closed in Tennessee at 8 p.m. EST. Shortly after polls closed Tuesday, the Associated Press and NBC called the race for Bill Lee, projecting him to win reelection.
Shortly after the race was called, Lee spoke to supporters.
"We've gotten a whole lot done in the last four years, but I decided to run again because we have a whole lot more work to do, and I thank you for giving me the chance," Lee said Tuesday night.
Lee took the time Tuesday night to talk about his goals for the next four years, including plans to improve infrastructure across the state.
"I bet you talk about the fact that there is too much congestion, too much traffic, and too many potholes. We are simply not building enough and maintaining enough roads in this state to keep up with the incredible growth happening from one end of the state to the other," he said. "This is a problem we are studying and we are looking at ideas on solving this problem. You are going to hear a lot more about that starting tomorrow even."
Lee also took a moment to speak about his wife, Maria Lee, and her battle with lymphoma.
"You all know that my wife Maria has been battling cancer for the last several months, and it's been tough -- but she's tougher," he said. "We were actually concerned she wouldn't be able to be here tonight, but she couldn't stay home."
Maria Lee took the stage to a roar of cheers from people in the audience.
"So many of you standing here and so many across the state have been standing in the gap for me, and lifting up prayers on my behalf, and for that, I just want to say 'thank you.' Truly grateful," she said. "I have definitely been overwhelmed and very humbled by all the phone calls, texts, cards and gifts I've received. But even more than those, I'm just so grateful and deeply touched by the many, many prayers that have been said on my behalf and Bill."
"In cancer, there is nothing really good about cancer at all. But there are some things in it that have come out of it that are good," she said. "One thing for me, it's shown me what I am grateful for, and it's made it even more pronounced in my life," she said.
Maria Lee thanked her friends and family for rallying around her.
"I am especially grateful to this guy right here," she said, pointing to her husband. "For his love and support, and just walking beside me from the very beginning on this road I'm on. So very grateful," she said.
"Isn't she remarkable," Bill Lee said.