Bill Lee has been sworn in as the 50th Tennessee governor.
Lee took the oath Saturday at Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium. The Franklin-based businessman defeated former Democratic Nashville Mayor Karl Dean in November. It was the first time Lee had ever run for political office.
Lee replaces term-limited Gov. Bill Haslam.
Later Saturday evening, two inaugural balls are planned in downtown Nashville.
Before the swearing-in ceremony, Lee attended a packed worship service where multiple high-profile Christian musicians performed.
Lee was forced to move inauguration indoors after forecasts warned of severe rain and thunderstorms. It was the first time the ceremony hadn’t taken place outdoors in front of the Capitol in more than 40 years.