He graduated from Union City High School, and planned on attending Rice University before changing his mind.

[1] McWherter earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University, after which he worked in private practice in Nashville.

[4] He was reported as supporting a ban on unmarried (including gay) couples adopting children, indicating that he feels "having parents of the opposite sex is better for a child.

Asked about teaching intelligent design at a debate, he replied, "I think there's a place to talk about evolution in our public schools, but I prefer a more traditional curriculum.

[8] McWherter lives in Jackson with his wife, Mary Jane, their son Walker, and daughter Bess.