Shining a light on education & government in TennesseeShining a light on education & government in TennesseeTracking potential candidates who haven't yet declared and those who've decided to sit this one out.
Last Updated July 25, 2026 · Data from TN Secretary of State, Registry of Election Finance, and public sources
These potential candidates have publicly declined or announced other plans.
Former Speaker, TN House
Ran for governor in 2018. Declined to enter 2026 race, citing desire to focus on private sector work.
State Representative, District 13
Ran for U.S. Senate in 2024. Decided against a governor's race bid, will seek re-election to state House.
U.S. Representative, TN-5
Considered a run but chose to seek re-election to Congress.
Trump's influence looms over the Republican primary. Candidates are jockeying for his endorsement, and his position on education policy, particularly school choice, could reshape the field overnight. Any candidate who secures a Trump endorsement would immediately become the frontrunner in the primary.
Once the filing deadline passes, the field is set. No new candidates can enter the governor's race. At that point, the race shifts from speculation to strategy, and the real campaign begins. Expect endorsement consolidation, debate scheduling, and a significant uptick in campaign spending.
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, with freshness timestamps visible on every page that surfaces live data.