Former Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn dies at 97

Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn (Photo: Tennessee Secretary of State)

(This story has been updated with additional information.)

Former Gov. Winfield Dunn, who in 1970 became the first Republican elected governor in more than 50 years, died Saturday at the age of 97.

Gov. Bill Lee’s office announced Dunn’s death in a statement.

“Governor Winfield Dunn was, simply put, a genuine statesman,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “He was a true servant of the people of Tennessee. He led with principled integrity, a strong faith, and a gracious love for others. Our state is a better place because of his service and leadership. Maria and I join all Tennesseans in honoring Governor Dunn’s life, and we pray for Betty and the Dunn family in the days ahead.”

Bryant Winfield Culberson Dunn was a Mississippi native who graduated from the University of Tennessee Dental School in Memphis.

According to a biography on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website, Dunn’s political views were influenced by Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater’s book, “Conscience of a Conservative.”

But Dunn had not run for office before when, with the encouragement of Sen. Big; Brock, a fellow Republican, he ran for governor in 1970. He defeated Democrat John Jay Hooker, and served one term in office: the Tennessee Constitution barred governors from serving consecutive terms.

While in office, Dunn established the Department of Economic and Community Development.and of the Department of General Services. He supported the ratification of the 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age from 21-18 and established kindergarten statewide in public schools.

In 1986, he ran for governor again, losing to Democratic Speaker of the House Ned McWherter.

“Tonight at the state capitol we heard the news of the passing of a personal hero, Gov. Winfield Dunn. His optimism was a great light when I ran the campaign of his campaign manager, @SenAlexander and in my own race,” wrote former Nashville mayoral candidate Alice Rolli on X. “My love to Betty and all the Dunn family.”