Governor
Source: sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com
What does this office do?
- Signing or vetoing bills that become state law
- Proposing the state budget for schools, roads, and health care
- Picking who leads state agencies
Affects: AI Regulation, Healthcare Affordability, Environment and Public Health,
Candidates:
Adam Kurtz
Did not advanceDemocratic
Adam “Ditch” Kurtz is a Nashville musician and Democratic candidate for governor of Tennessee. He has worked as a pedal-steel and guitar player and holds a political science degree.
Carnita Atwater
Did not advanceDemocratic
Carnita Atwater is a Memphis community-development leader, public-health professional, and Democratic candidate for governor of Tennessee. She directs the New Chicago Community Partnership Revitalization CDC and has operated a neighborhood museum and community center.
Records: Housing Affordability 1 for, Public Education Quality 1 for, Reduce Wealth Gap 1 for
Jerri Green
AdvancedDemocratic
Jerri Green is an attorney who has served on the Memphis City Council since 2023 and has led the Shelby County public defender's office since January 2026. She says her priorities are fully funding public schools, expanding health care, and helping working families.
Records: Environment and Public Health 2 for, Gun Control 2 for, Labor Rights 1 for,
John Rose
Did not advanceRepublican
John Rose is a Republican U.S. representative, farmer, attorney, business owner, and candidate for governor of Tennessee. He previously served as Tennessee commissioner of agriculture.
Records: Government Spending Reduction 2 for, 1 against, Corporate Accountability 1 for, Data Privacy 1 for,
Kevin Lee McCants
Did not advanceDemocratic
Kevin Lee McCants is a Tennessee businessman and Democratic candidate for governor. Tennessee's 2026 sample ballots also list him as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Marsha Blackburn
AdvancedRepublican
Marsha Blackburn was elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee in 2018 and earlier served in the U.S. House and the Tennessee Senate. She says her priorities are economic growth, stopping illegal immigration, and keeping communities safe.
Records: Public Safety and Crime Control 6 for, Civil Rights 4 against, Corporate Accountability 3 for,
Monty Fritts
Did not advanceRepublican
Monty Fritts is a Republican Tennessee state representative, Army veteran, and candidate for governor. He has represented House District 32 since 2023.
Records: Civil Rights 1 for, 12 against, Immigration 13 against, Environment and Public Health 1 for, 4 against,
Tim Cyr
Did not advanceDemocratic
Tim Cyr is an Army veteran, National Guardsman, small farmer, and Democratic candidate for governor of Tennessee. He studied plant and soil science and has worked in small-engine repair.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org · sos.tn.gov