Shining a light on education & government in TennesseeShining a light on education & government in TennesseeProfiles of the long-shot, grassroots, and independent candidates running in the 2026 Tennessee governor's race. None are expected to be competitive, but every candidate who files deserves coverage.
Arlington, TN
RepublicanPellegra of Arlington (Shelby County) has filed to run in the Republican primary. Beyond that filing, almost nothing is publicly known. No campaign website, no social media presence, no campaign finance reports on file, and zero media coverage. Has not appeared at any candidate forums or public events.
Unknown. No public statements on education policy.
A ballot-only candidate with no discernible campaign. Will appear on the Aug. 6 Republican primary ballot but is not a factor in the race.
Nashville musician & activist
DemocratKurtz is a Nashville-based pedal steel guitarist who launched his campaign at The 5 Spot in East Nashville in May 2025 with the slogan "By the people, for the people — I'm a people." Running a grassroots, small-donor-only campaign that explicitly rejects corporate money. Platform emphasizes free healthcare, free Pre-K, eliminating the grocery tax, raising the minimum wage, legalizing marijuana (with tax revenue directed to public schools), and affordable housing. Has raised $14K.
Says public education is his number one issue and wants Tennessee's public schools to be "number one in the country." Supports raising teacher pay, supporting teachers' unions, and directing marijuana tax revenue toward schools.
The most colorful candidate in the Democratic field. Brings genuine populist energy but has no political experience and no fundraising infrastructure.
Memphis community advocate
DemocratDr. Carnita Atwater is a Memphis community advocate and perennial candidate making her second run for governor. She ran in the 2022 Democratic primary (finishing third) and lost the 2023 Memphis mayoral race. Career spanning healthcare, higher education administration, and community advocacy. Currently leads the African American International Museum Foundation. Has faced legal issues including a U.S. bankruptcy court monetary penalty.
Has spoken broadly about improving education and addressing disparities but has not articulated specific positions on vouchers, teacher pay, or funding reform.
A persistent voice for Memphis's Black community with genuine lived experience, but her third-place 2022 primary finish, legal issues, and lack of institutional support make her a long shot even within the Democratic primary.
Gallatin, TN
Democrat"Tennessee Tim" is a Gallatin resident who moved to the Volunteer State in 2017. Also ran unsuccessfully in 2010 for Illinois House of Representatives District 109. No campaign website, no social media presence, no campaign finance reports.
Unknown. No public statements on education policy.
A ballot-only candidate with no visible campaign infrastructure.
Democratic candidate
DemocratFiled to run in the Democratic primary. No public campaign positions, website, or media coverage.
A ballot-only candidate.
Veteran & nonprofit director
IndependentA PTSD military veteran, nonprofit director, minister, and church board member running as an independent. Platform centers on limiting federal "overreach," year-round gender-segregated education, support for farmers (40% statewide stimulus), teacher raises, veteran housing, and requiring 90 of 95 counties to approve the state budget before the governor signs it.
Supports year-round education with gender-separated classrooms. Wants students who excel to skip grades. Supports teacher raises. No positions on vouchers, TCAP, or school funding formulas.
The most detailed platform among the independent candidates. Has articulated actual policy positions — even if some are unconventional. However, no independent has won statewide office in modern Tennessee history.
Independent candidate
IndependentFiled to appear on the November general election ballot. No campaign website, no public platform.
A ballot-only candidacy.
Independent candidate
IndependentFiled to appear on the November general election ballot. No campaign website, no public platform.
A ballot-only candidacy.
Independent candidate
IndependentFiled to appear on the November general election ballot. No campaign website, no public platform.
A ballot-only candidacy.
This page includes all candidates who filed qualifying petitions with the Tennessee Secretary of State before the March 10, 2026 deadline. Candidates are categorized separately from major candidates based on fundraising, polling, and media presence. If you represent one of these campaigns and would like to provide additional information, please contact us.
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About this tracker
This tracker is produced by The Tennessee Firefly, an independent, nonpartisan news outlet covering education and government in Tennessee. We don't endorse candidates. We don't take political ads. We follow the money, the policy, and the people who shape your kids' schools. All data comes from official filings, verified reporting, and on-the-record sources. Last updated March 17, 2026.