The 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of Tennessee, alongside other state and local elections. The primary elections will take place on August 6, 2026. Incumbent Republican governor Bill Lee is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.
Democrats have not won a statewide election in Tennessee since Phil Bredesen was re-elected governor in 2006.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
Declined
Endorsements
Polling
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Carnita Atwater, museum president, candidate for governor in 2022, and candidate for mayor of Memphis in 2023
- Tim Cyr, home repair business owner
- Jerri Green, Memphis city councilor from the 2nd district (2024âÂÂpresent)
- Adam "Ditch" Kurtz, Nashville pedal steel musician
Declined
Endorsements
Independents
Candidates
Declared
- David Hatley, businessman
- Lauren Pinkston, former Lipscomb University professor
- Robert Vick, educator
General election
Predictions
Polling
Marsha Blackburn vs. Jerri Green
John Rose vs. Jerri Green
See also
Notes
Partisan clients
References
External links
Official campaign websites