Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026

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← 2022
Governor of Tennessee
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: March 10, 2026
Primary: August 6, 2026 General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: Varies by county Voting in Tennessee
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican Inside Elections: Solid Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness State executive elections in 2026 Impact of term limits in 2026 State government trifectas State government triplexes Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
Tennessee executive elections
Governor

Tennessee is holding an election for governor on November 3, 2026.

To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Governor of Tennessee

The following candidates are running in the general election for Governor of Tennessee on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Carnita Atwater (D)
	Submit photo	Tim Cyr (D)
		Jerri Green (D)
		Adam Kurtz (D)
		Marsha Blackburn (R)
		Monty Fritts (R)
	Submit photo	Cito Pellegra (R)
		John Rose (R)
	Submit photo	Stephen Maxwell (Independent)
	Submit photo	Manasa Reddy (Independent)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Carnita Atwater

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "My name is Dr. Carnita Atwater. I am running for the Governor of the State of Tennessee to give the power back to people. I am a bold, unbossed and unbought candidate standing with the people. I am the vehicle that will bring transparency back into our democracy. I am the "People's Governor". I am the first woman of color to run for the office of Governor in the history of this great State. I am a devour citizen that have had boots-on-the-ground in the State of Tennessee for over 40 years, thus making Tennesseans the center of my life's mission to bring about fairness, justice and equity for all citizens. Consequently, with my people-centered and community-driven mindset, I will transcend into this new governorship. There is only one main reason that I entered as a candidate for Governor and that is to "place people back into politics". My entire life has been about serving the people, and it did not start with ascertaining a political office. I am a firm believer that we should be our sisters and brother's keeper. As a lifelong community advocate, I am charged to stand up against the injustice of all Tennesseans no matter what race, creed, nationality, religion, gender identity, disability, social economic status or zip code. As an incoming Governor, I will not partake in political corruption, and I will not go along to get along at the detriment of our beloved citizens. We can no longer place a bandage on a third-degree societal burn in the State of Tennessee."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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I am the 'People's Governor" with a proven record of serving Tennesseans. I will be the bridge to building a more cohesive Tennessee which will involve listening and embracing all Tennesseans. We deserve a leader for all people and not just the elitists.

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I have fought for Tennesseans for over 40 years to bring about equity and justice to promote a more inclusive and diverse State for all citizens thus ensuring life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Tennesseans.

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I will be the boots-on-the-ground Governor that will give all Tennesseans a seat at the table of economic prosperity. Rural Tennessee has suffered from economic disinvestments and the closing of hospitals. I want to be the great equalizer to bring equity to rural citizens.

Stephen Maxwell

Do you have a photo that could go here? Click here to submit it for this profile!

Party: Independent

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "My name is Stephen C. Maxwell, Write In Candidate for Governor of the State of Tennessee. I have been a Non Profit Lead Director and Founder, Minister, Church Board Member and CFO of same. I am a PTSD U.S. Military Veteran. I am 46 at the time of this writing and desire a Bigger, Better, Faster Tennessee. I want to see Tennessee able to fend for itself without Federal Overreach such as TSA, REALID, 9/11 ACT, Patriot Act and forcing Tennessee to keep Illegal Aliens, Child Predators, uphold Planned Parenthood. I would like to Execute a Year Round Education, Male to Male, Female to Female, with productive Students either skipping grades or Non Testing/Homework Periods of Time. Tennessee should be a giving State, as Farmers Give their Produce, Farmers should have 40% Statewide Stimulus, Teachers their Raises, U.S. Veterans their Housing and not Homeless and Clergy Protected while being Soveriegn Immune. As a U.S. Citizen born in the Highlands of Lowell Massachusetts, I was raised Oneness Pentecostal, attending Church in Hudson NH, while attending School and playing in the Parks on Middlesex Street. Let us give our Children Moral Values, Quality Education and a Brighter Future for the Young and the Old."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Farmers, Teachers, U.S. Veterans and Clergy need more quality in Stimulus as Farmers, Teachers need their Raises, Bonuses and Stipends for Class Supplies, Veterans need Housed, not Homeless, Clergy need protected not verbally assaulted and under false arrest or investigation, caring for the souls of men.

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Healthcare for those 40 and older, 12 and under and for the SSA/VA recipients should not be so sky rocketed that one has to choose food or medicine during the month. Dr Visits, ER Visits, Urgent Care visits should not have to be the price of a Gold Bar, but $50 per visit, without Litigation form Hospitals, costs capped at $5000 per stay and those on Medicines should never have to pay more than $3 per Rx.

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Tennessee should be only for the United States Citizens either born here in Tennessee or these United States, Illegal Aliens are going to have to leave without Drivers' License, Renting or Owning a Home, Not able to Work in Tennessee, not able to obtain Small Business License or having it revoked, not being able to own property. Also those who are Sex Offenders, Weapons Offenders, Drug Offenders after 2 or more convictions, and those part of the LGBTQAI++ are leaving the State of Tennessee until I am out of office.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Carnita Atwater (D)

I am the 'People's Governor" with a proven record of serving Tennesseans. I will be the bridge to building a more cohesive Tennessee which will involve listening and embracing all Tennesseans. We deserve a leader for all people and not just the elitists.

I have fought for Tennesseans for over 40 years to bring about equity and justice to promote a more inclusive and diverse State for all citizens thus ensuring life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Tennesseans.

I will be the boots-on-the-ground Governor that will give all Tennesseans a seat at the table of economic prosperity. Rural Tennessee has suffered from economic disinvestments and the closing of hospitals. I want to be the great equalizer to bring equity to rural citizens.

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Farmers, Teachers, U.S. Veterans and Clergy need more quality in Stimulus as Farmers, Teachers need their Raises, Bonuses and Stipends for Class Supplies, Veterans need Housed, not Homeless, Clergy need protected not verbally assaulted and under false arrest or investigation, caring for the souls of men.

Healthcare for those 40 and older, 12 and under and for the SSA/VA recipients should not be so sky rocketed that one has to choose food or medicine during the month. Dr Visits, ER Visits, Urgent Care visits should not have to be the price of a Gold Bar, but $50 per visit, without Litigation form Hospitals, costs capped at $5000 per stay and those on Medicines should never have to pay more than $3 per Rx.

Tennessee should be only for the United States Citizens either born here in Tennessee or these United States, Illegal Aliens are going to have to leave without Drivers' License, Renting or Owning a Home, Not able to Work in Tennessee, not able to obtain Small Business License or having it revoked, not being able to own property. Also those who are Sex Offenders, Weapons Offenders, Drug Offenders after 2 or more convictions, and those part of the LGBTQAI++ are leaving the State of Tennessee until I am out of office.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Carnita Atwater (D)

I am personally passionate about political division, political/judicial corruption, budgets are moral documents, TANF (Tennessee Assistance for Needy Families) & Medicaid cuts, taxation without representation, voter suppression, gun violence prevention, health care reform, environmental injustice, school inequities, youth outreach, housing disparities, homelessness, crime reform & restorative justice, middle-class families stabilization, teacher's compensation, women's reproductive health rights, rights of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrant's rights, abusive tax incentives to developers, misappropriation of local, state & federal funds, rural neglect & economic development, and abusive mass incarceration system.

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Year Round Separate Sex (male/female) Education while enhancing those with Immaculate Grades, HUD-VA for those Veterans and Families without Housing, HUD-Corrections to acclimate back to Society under Heavy Guard and Chains, Agriculturally Farmers getting their fair share, Teachers getting Raises, Clergy being Protected, Veterans Getting Housed, The Middle Aged/Kindercare for Healthcare Quality, Property/Sales/Wheel Taxes Abolished while Invoking a Consumption (Food/Drink) Tax, State Employment/Advancement Freeze while D.O.G.E. work is applied to save Tennessee and Taxpayers Wasted Dollars.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Carnita Atwater (D)

I look up to the copious number of children living in a crime riddled environments coupled with poverty, disinvestment of their neighborhoods, sleeping in dilapidated homes with roaches and rats crawling on their faces and seeing their classmates dying of gun shots at any given time. Nevertheless, these children can still have joy in their hearts and smiles on their faces even under the condition of untreated adverse trauma. Simply remarkable! I would like to follow Eleanor Roosevelt who was the epitome of a strong woman of leadership and optimism which set the stage of boldness in her stance for equality and justice for all people. To be a First Lady and have the courage to fly with the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American pilots in World War II, was the landmark of what true humility should be in America. She set the standard of not going along to get along. She is indeed one of my greatest sheroes. I have followed her example by being bold and steadfast as I have fought against injustice for the homeless individuals, displaced veterans, children living in poverty, Union workers wages and benefits, gentrification in disinvested communities, environmental injustice, subsidized affordable housing, end cash bail, hazard pay for teachers, Green New Deal, and abusive tax incentives to large corporations.

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Reagan. Pres. Reagan knew what to say, when to say it and stuck to his guns when a decision was made.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

No, when someone wants to understand empathy and sympathy, you treat your fellow man such as the Widow/Orphan, the Homeless, the U.S. Veteran, The Clergy and the Stranger of Town like your own family and you find the very best quality and dependancy of Programs that this group of People and their families can recieve help from under the most honest of laws and regulations, with emergencies or the disabled being the exception to the laws and regulations.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Carnita Atwater (D)

All elected officials should be people-connected, community-driven and consciously woke to the needs of the people. The characteristics and principles most important for an elected official are being totally transparent, having the ability to place the people first in his or her legislative decisions, having the integrity to stand up for what is right as it relates to political malfeasance, do not make false promises that you know you are not going to keep, be accountability to the people at all cost, and having the tenacity to speak up when legislative bills are being push when you know it will hurt and harm the people. Every elected official's goal should be to ensure that all Tennesseans have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe in term limits and if elected officials are ineffective, disconnected to their constituents and no longer consider the "will of the people", they should no longer hold that position which I truly believe in Succession Plans. Tennesseans deserve a great social, cultural and economic awakening, therefore, as the incoming Governor, I bring with me a "Resurrection of Hope" Plan to address citizens from a holistic approach to equity, equality and justice for all.

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Elected Officials answer to the People. Put their Taxes on State Websites and do not have any brick and mortar bank accounts in the City/County/State they represent for moral turpitude purposes. Elected Officials are not loyal to one party or their leader over another, nor over the Taxpayer, but to the Taxpayer.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

I am most efficient in Administrative Duties and love minimal paperwork duties. I love to help people come up from Nothing and Start their gain success on everything they need to be successful. I am a firm believer to answer to the Taxpayer. I am a strict and enforcing type of person. I believe to act as a Arbitrator and hear both sides of the story before I make my decisions in haste.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

The Governor is ready to roll up their sleeves, Terminate the former administration, Pull back any money suspected of Waste, Fraud and Abuse. The Governor is responsible to see that those 40 and older, those on Kindercare and the SSA/VA recipients recieve Quality Healthcare at the Most Efficient/Affordable Prices. The Governor should request some of their Executive Orders to be Legislation in the State Assembly to pass for Laws. The Governor should NEVER SIGN the State Budget without the Consent of the Governed at the very least of 90 out of 95 counties saying aye, then signing such into Law.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Carnita Atwater (D)

As the next incoming Governor of the State of Tennessee, I would first like to leave a legacy of love, respect and fairness to all Tennesseans. My greatest aspiration as the next Governor is to leave a legacy of placing people back into politics. As a community advocate, I already bring to the table a legacy of feeding 10,000 homeless individuals per year, donating 5,000 book bags and supplies to children, donating 5,000 coats, gloves and hats, donating 200 air conditioners to senior citizens, creating 100 jobs for ex-felons, teenagers and single parents each year. Therefore, my legacy will be a continuation of who I am as a person. As the next Governor, I would love to leave a legacy that bridge the divide between political parties, thus bringing our beloved State in a healthy state of being, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens. I would like to be remembered as the first "People's Governor" that truly cared about the people unconditionally. A Governor with boots-on-the-ground that makes every Tennessean feel special and a part of our beloved Volunteer State. I would love to leave a legacy that bring into play an even economic playing field for all Tennesseans no matter what your political affiliation, race, gender identity, religion or social status may be. I would like to be so uniquely different that Tennesseans would say I am proud to be a T and we now have true democracy that represent the people. This legacy would entail implementing a Tennessee Universal Health Care, Poverty Commission for the Underserved and Marginalized, Small Business Initiative, Farmer tax Incentives, Veteran Honor Initiatives, Domestic Violence Underground Safe Haven, Tennessee Food Disparity Plan, Solar and New Green Deal Renewable Energy Plan to save our beloved Tennessee known as TENN BEAR (Better Environmental Assessment Revitalization) and TENN SOIL (Saving Our Innovative Land). Inclusion and diversity would be my blueprint for the next Governor after me.

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Someone cared enough to hear out the Citizen rather than be a Yes Man for every Politician known to Tennessee.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Carnita Atwater (D)

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime that I remembered was the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I remember my father, mother, grandmother and grandfather crying and praying for a better world. As a child, I remember feeling afraid and thinking that I would be killed also because I was black. I was 9 years of age living in a racially segregated South.

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Reagan became President, (Movie Star)

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Carnita Atwater (D)

My very first job was my own lawn service business at 12 years of age which I ran for 5 years until I finished high school. I owe all of my success to my father who supported me in this new venture of empowerment. I am a daddy girl; therefore, my dad taught me to be cool, calm and collected. Never sweat the small things in life. Always let God order your steps. My dad taught me to drive a tractor at 6 years of age on our 300-acre family farm. It is important that fathers intentionally plant into their daughters the seed of love, greatness, nurturing and admiration. My dad was my first hero and mentor. He planted a seed of greatness in me as a girl child, and he placed no barrier in my life to what I could be. I cannot count the times my dad told other fathers, "Just because she is a girl does not mean she cannot beat that boy in anything he attempts to do". My dad was a true Girl Dad! I know my dad is smiling down on me. I thank my father for being such a wonderful father that did not place any stipulations on me as a girl child. He taught me that I could be anything I wanted to be in this life. At ten years-of-age, I told my father that I was going to run for the President of the United States, but I was blessed to have been the Dean of Medical Studies, Dean of Student Affairs, Academic Dean, Medical Director, Adjunct Professor, Nursing Home Administrator, Hospital Administrator, Nurse, Teacher and now running as the first African American woman for the Governor of the State of Tennessee. I am already a winner. ATWATER FOR GOVERNOR 2026.

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Newspaper Boy, More than 12 months.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Scriptural Teachings of the Pilgrim Days in my Home State of Massachusetts.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Carnita Atwater (D)

My fictional character would be a Fairy Godmother of the State of Tennessee. In this fictional role I would first sparkle love, joy and humanity in every heart of every politician to do the right thing toward the citizens of this beloved Volunteer State. I would use the superpower to correct all the governmental wrongs that have been bestowed on the beloved citizens of this State. I would magically remove the discriminatory bans on gender identities, erase and restore the mean-spirted legislative bills against women's reproductive health care, magically erase the worries of senior citizens as they age in place in their familiar homes, give every veteran an opportunity to own their home with honor and pride, shield every child from gun violence and give every citizen a safe neighborhood to live no matter what their zip code or the color of their skin. I would gather all the homeless individuals and place them in loving and nurturing environment with wrap-around service to let them know that they are love and they are certainly a part of our Tennessee family. I would place portable food satellites in every food desert across Tennessee to assure that no child goes to sleep hungry. By the flick of my magical power, I would fund the communities that have been disinvested for years to restore their neighborhoods to decent and safe dwellings. I would open the doors of every prison to release the felons that have non-violent fractions to give them a second chance at life to be a productive taxpayer, thus empowering them with workforce development opportunities, skill training, anger management skills, behavior modification, money management, home management and a sense of gratefulness to respect the lives of others. As a Fairy Godmother, I would cease all environmental injustice to preserve our beautiful country and the State of Tennessee. Teachers and farmers would be my superheroes. I would work hard at building a more inclusive and diverse Tennessee. One Tennessee!

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Bruce Wayne

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

No more the Code, Song I wrote concerning the Welfare of Minor Children around Unknown Predators in the family

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Learning Disability

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Financial Transparency, Tax Abolishment/Deferment/ Healthcare Quality, Stimulus Actions, Building/Preserving Toll Booths for Infrastructure/Bridges Appropriations, Safety/Security of Citizens through Non-Corrupt Law Enforcement Agents. Abolishing Federal Overreach.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Before the Governor signs the Budget, Counites should be cut off with a -0- placed in their column for 2 years and any extra appropriations ought to be put in Farmers, Teachers, Clergy and U.S. Veteran Coffers for Stimulus Checks and under no circumstances should the official signature be applied without 90/95 counties in Tennessee voting AYE. Its the Taxpayers Money, It should be the Taxpayers Permission for the Budget while the Budget is placed on the State of Tennessee Website in Laymen Terms for 48 hours for all to see where their money is used for and consideration of their Vote.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

State Budget Appropriations, Taxes and how they are Appropriated, Appropriations for Cabinet and how they are used.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Both should answer to the People and the Taxpayer should have the Main Say. The Governor should be on Good Terms with the State Legislature as long as the Taxpayer has a Say in Votes and Final Passage of Bills.

What do you love most about your state?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Tennessee has beautiful Metropolises, Wonderful and Friendly People and Mountains that take your Breath away.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Education, Healthcare and Quality Care for the Generation X as they age.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Blonde walks into the Library up to the Circulation Desk and says, "Id like Big Mac Fries and a Coke", Librarian then exclaims, "Madam, this is a library", The Blone then in quieter tones said, "Sorry, I'd like Big Mac Fries and a Coke".

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

With permission of the State Legislature, during Inclement Weather (Tornadoes, etc..), Pandemics and Riotous Acts of Felons, Prison Riots

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Carnita Atwater (D)

www.atwaterforgovernor.com

Endorsements Individual Endorsements Rev. Dr. Ronnie C. King

Rev. Dr. Ivory and Dr. Lillie Swindle

Legendary Bobby Rush

Legendary “Jennifer Holliday – DreamGirl

Dr. Isaac Richmond (Elder)

Dr. Maurice and Loretta Tyree, Lakeland, TN

Dr. Brenda Taylor

Linda Faye Street

Constance Fields

Joyce Worsham-Adams

Mrs. Ruby Payne

Mr. John Bryant, Somerville, TN

Lucille Mack-Catron

Chelsea Camp, Clarksville, TN

Dr. Jeffery Futrell

Chasity Davis

Pastor Tony Walker, Sr.

Rev. Christina Glass

Eula Little

Brenda Woods, Bolivar, TN

Riki Lang Stone

Gale Jennings

Fadoli Mboge

Frances Barnes

Dianne Jones

Glenda Glesy, Bartlett, TN

Betty J, Briggs

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth & Jocelyn Bracy, Bartlett, TN

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

None

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Tennessee needs to adopt D.O.G.E. and pull back all funds that are wasted, fraudulent and abused. Departments such as Health and Health and Human Services could be combined. There is too much bureauracracy and not enough answers given to the Citizen Taxpayer. Every elected person should be held accountable placing their Bank Account Statements and Taxes online with private information redacted such as SSN or House Addresses. Tennessee really needs to retire those 55 and older and Terminate those with 3 years or less of service for Essential Program needs.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

Good, The Taxpayer has the final say. I am a great believer that the Taxpayer to the Government.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean to you?

Stephen Maxwell (Independent)

The Governor is responsible for all of The State's Citizens. The Health, Welfare and Society Issues are on the Shoulders of the Executive and through Executive Actions, that responsibility can be delegated by expanding or decreasing the Cabinet. The Governor should be ready to answer to the Taxpayer Citizen(s) at all times.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Marsha Blackburn

Voting information

See also: Voting in Tennessee

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	9/9/2025	9/2/2025	8/26/2025	8/19/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.

2022

See also: Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2022

General election

General election for Governor of Tennessee

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Tennessee on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Lee (R)	64.9	1,129,390
		Jason Martin (D)	32.9	572,818
		John Gentry (Independent)	0.9	15,395
		Constance Every (Independent)	0.6	10,277
		Deborah Rouse (Independent)	0.2	3,772
		Rick Tyler (Independent)	0.1	2,380
		Charles Morgan (Independent)	0.1	1,862
	Submit photo	Basil Marceaux (Independent)	0.1	1,568
	Submit photo	Alfred O'Neil (Independent)	0.1	1,216
		Michael Scantland (Independent)	0.0	815
		Lemichael Wilson (L) (Write-in)	0.0	386
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	3

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,739,882
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Hosie Holomon III (Independent)
• Jake Johns (Independent)
• Wendell Jackson (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Tennessee

Jason Martin defeated JB Smiley Jr. and Carnita Atwater in the Democratic primary for Governor of Tennessee on August 4, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jason Martin	39.4	101,552
		JB Smiley Jr.	38.8	100,062
		Carnita Atwater	21.8	56,227

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 257,841
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Casey Nicholson (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Tennessee

Incumbent Bill Lee advanced from the Republican primary for Governor of Tennessee on August 4, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Lee	100.0	494,362

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 494,362
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Tyler Hagerman (R)
• Patricia Anne Morrison (R)
• Curtis Carney (R)

2018

See also: Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2018

General election

General election for Governor of Tennessee

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Tennessee on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Lee (R)	59.6	1,336,106
		Karl Dean (D)	38.6	864,863
	Submit photo	Sherry Clark (Independent)	0.2	5,198
	Submit photo	Mark Wright (Independent)	0.2	4,687
	Submit photo	Patrick Whitlock (Independent)	0.2	3,631
	Submit photo	Yvonne Neubert (Independent)	0.1	3,070
		Heather Scott (Independent)	0.1	2,969
	Submit photo	Mark Brown (Independent)	0.1	2,841
	Submit photo	Joe Wilmoth (Independent)	0.1	2,444
	Submit photo	George Blackwell Smith IV (Independent)	0.1	1,550
	Submit photo	Cory King (Independent)	0.1	1,502
	Submit photo	Tracy Yaste Tisdale (Independent)	0.1	1,396
	Submit photo	Justin Cornett (Independent)	0.1	1,217
		Chad Riden (Independent)	0.0	1,096
	Submit photo	Robert Sawyers Sr. (Independent)	0.0	1,059
		Vinnie Vineyard (Independent)	0.0	1,012
		Rick Tyler (Independent)	0.0	981
		Gabriel Fancher (Independent)	0.0	869
	Submit photo	Sean Fleming (Independent)	0.0	814
	Submit photo	Alfred Rapoza (Independent)	0.0	800
	Submit photo	Jessie McDonald (Independent)	0.0	755
	Submit photo	Toney Mitchell (Independent)	0.0	739
	Submit photo	Mike Toews (Independent)	0.0	726
	Submit photo	Matthew Koch (Independent)	0.0	652
	Submit photo	Jeremy Allen Stephenson (Independent)	0.0	613
	Submit photo	Tommy McAnally (Independent)	0.0	609
	Submit photo	Jaron Weidner (Independent)	0.0	588
	Submit photo	William Helmstetter (Independent)	0.0	496
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	11

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,243,294
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Tennessee

Karl Dean defeated Craig Fitzhugh and Mezianne Vale Payne in the Democratic primary for Governor of Tennessee on August 2, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Karl Dean	75.1	279,324
		Craig Fitzhugh	19.4	72,263
		Mezianne Vale Payne	5.4	20,253

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 371,840
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Tennessee

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Tennessee on August 2, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Lee	36.7	289,699
		Randy Boyd	24.3	191,940
		Diane Black	23.0	181,719
		Beth Harwell	15.3	120,910
		Kay White	0.4	3,181
	Submit photo	Basil Marceaux	0.2	1,270

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 788,719
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2014

See also: Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2014

Republican incumbent Bill Haslam won re-election on November 4, 2014.

Governor of Tennessee, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Bill Haslam Incumbent	70.3%	951,796
	Democratic	Charles V. "Charlie" Brown	22.8%	309,237
	Independent	John Jay Hooker	2.3%	30,579
	Constitution	Shaun Crowell	2%	26,580
	Green	Isa Infante	1.4%	18,570
	Independent	Steve Coburn	0.6%	8,612
	Independent	Daniel Lewis	0.6%	8,321
	Nonpartisan	Write-in votes	0%	33
Total Votes				1,353,728
Election results via Tennessee Secretary of State

Election analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this state's elections when those are available.

Gubernatorial elections in 2026

There are 36 gubernatorial seats on the ballot in 2026.

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Office of the Governor of Tennessee

Footnotes

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