Rose announced his run for governor last March and told attendees at the event that Tennessee needs a governor who’s an “energetic executive” with “real experience” running an organization.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond continues to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools, unveiling a 100-Day Plan and proposing a $1.85B budget focused on literacy, safety, and communication. Richmond has also reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and academic progress across the district.

Speaking before at the Rotary Club of Nashville Monday, O’Connell reaffirmed that his office has done nothing to warrant the investigations now underway in the U.S. House Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, though the mayor said both are taxing vital Metro resources.