Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to attend Biden State of the Union as Sen. Bill Hagerty's guest

Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address this week as a guest of U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, the senator's office has confirmed to The Tennessean.

Biden, a Democrat, will present his annual address to a joint session of Congress on Thursday, March 7, at 9 p.m. EST.

"I'm looking forward to joining Senator Hagerty at the State of the Union address," Lee said in a statement to The Tennessean. "Senator Hagerty is a strong voice in Washington, ensuring that our Tennessee values are protected and we continue leading the nation as a beacon of opportunity, security and freedom."

It is somewhat unusual for governors to attend the State of the Union address, particularly those from the opposing political party to the president. Lee has declined to meet publicly with Biden or first lady Jill Biden when they have traveled to the state during his administration, though he has visited the Biden White House in conjunction with the National Governors Association.

"I’m delighted to welcome Governor Lee to Washington this week to join me at the State of the Union address," Hagerty said in a statement. "Governor Lee’s strong leadership has maintained Tennessee’s economic success while ensuring that it remains the best state in which to live, work, and raise a family, and, in the volunteer tradition, he has consistently stepped up to help address the crisis induced by President Biden at our southern border."

Lee's presence at the State of the Union comes as the governor has taken an increasingly tough stance on border issues, signaling strong disapproval for the Biden administration's policies, particularly U.S.-Mexican border security.

Lee traveled to Eagle Pass, Texas last month to show support for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in his a standoff with the Biden administration on border security. Last weekend, he deployed more Tennessee National Guard troops to the border to assist. Lee currently serves as chair of the Republican Governors Association.

Lee's travel to the State of the Union was not shared on the governor's official schedule this week.

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: State of the Union: TN Gov. Bill Lee to attend as Sen. Hagerty's guest