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 N/A · Data from TN Secretary of State, Registry of Election Finance, and public sources
These potential candidates have publicly declined or announced other plans.
Tennessee Secretary of State
Hargett has served as Secretary of State since 2009, giving him deep familiarity with state government. His name surfaced in Republican circles as a potential establishment alternative, but he did not file for the race.
U.S. Representative, TN-1
Pharmacist and businesswoman representing northeast Tennessee since 2021. A Trump ally mentioned in governor's race speculation, but did not enter the race.
Shelby County Mayor
Harris was floated as the strongest potential Democratic candidate who hadn't entered the race. As Shelby County Mayor, he governs the state's most populous county and has high name recognition in Memphis. Did not file.
U.S. Representative, TN-9
The longtime Memphis congressman has represented TN-9 since 2007. A gubernatorial run would have been a significant career shift. Did not enter the race.
U.S. Senator
Widely discussed as a potential Republican candidate before Blackburn entered. Confirmed he is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2026.
Former U.S. Representative, TN-7
Left the House in 2025. Name was floated in early speculation, but has endorsed Blackburn and made no moves toward his own campaign.
Knox County Mayor
Rumored as a potential candidate, but instead endorsed Blackburn and is serving as her campaign treasurer.
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.
Get TNFirefly's nonpartisan race coverage, poll updates, and education policy analysis delivered to your inbox.
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.