Today, we released the latest installment of the Beacon Poll, a statewide survey of 1,200 Tennessee voters featuring questions about voters’ views on socialism versus capitalism, the National Guard in Memphis, political violence, and more.
In a surprising result that could have a national impact, a majority of Democrats in Tennessee hold a favorable view of socialism, with 54% expressing a positive view and 31% expressing a negative view. Despite Democrats’ approval, socialism is still underwater with the majority of Tennessee voters (-24%). Additionally, most Tennesseans (53%) have a positive view of capitalism as an economic system. The results are largely divided along party lines, with capitalism being popular among Republicans (+47%) and underwater among Democrats (-15%).
In the Republican primary for governor, Senator Marsha Blackburn maintains a commanding lead. She currently garners 58% of the vote, holding a 49-point lead over Congressman John Rose (9%), and a 53-point lead over State Representative Monty Fritts (5%), who joined the race in September. Blackburn’s name ID and overall popularity have allowed her to maintain a strong lead.
As the race for governor takes shape, term-limited Governor Bill Lee is concluding his second term with a solid job approval rating. Fifty-four percent of voters approve of his performance, while 38% disapprove. Lee remains highly popular among Republicans (+57%) but is underwater among Democrats (-43%).
There has been extensive media coverage and debate surrounding President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to high-crime cities. Despite national debate, Tennesseans broadly support the move when it comes to Memphis, where crime rates have been a persistent concern for residents. A strong majority (63%) approve of deploying troops to Memphis, while only 33% disapprove. Republicans overwhelmingly support the move (+82%), while Democrats oppose it (-49%).
Following the recent murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the divisive rhetoric that followed, Tennesseans are nearly unanimous in believing political violence is a serious problem in the U.S., with 90% believing it’s a problem and just 9% thinking it is not. Republicans (+83%), Democrats (+78%), and Independents (+79%) are united in recognizing political violence as a problem that needs to be addressed. However, most voters (64%) expect political violence to increase in the coming years, while just 11% believe it will decrease. When asked who is most responsible, a plurality (38%) says both the left and right share equal blame. Thirty-two percent blame the political left more, while 18% blame the political right.
A strong majority of Tennesseans (56%) support the state’s partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company to construct the Music City Loop—an underground high-speed transit tunnel connecting downtown Nashville to the airport. The plan is above water with Republicans (+53%) and only narrowly underwater with Democrats (-12%). Musk’s connections to the current administration may be fueling this partisan divide. State officials have emphasized that the project is entirely privately funded, with no taxpayer dollars required.
Religion in public schools remains a hot-button issue for Tennesseans. Most voters (52%) believe there is not enough religion in public schools, while only 18% say there is too much, and another 21% believe the current balance is just right. Democrats are nearly split on the issue, with 31% thinking there is not enough religion in schools, while 35% say there is too much. A majority of Tennesseans (72%) also believe that prayer or Bible readings should be part of classroom activities at least some of the time. In comparison, 24% say public schools should not include religious activities.
In a surprising result, given the national economic climate, a majority of voters (54%) have a favorable opinion of big business, while 39% view it unfavorably. Democrats (+5%) report favorable opinions of big business, despite also holding positive views of socialism. Almost all Tennesseans (90%) hold a favorable opinion of small business, with Republicans (+86%), Democrats (+84%), and Independents (+81%) all viewing small businesses positively.
You can read the full poll with party and region crosstabs here.
You can read the full poll with demographic crosstabs here.
