The first campaign filing for Tennessee’s 2026 gubernatorial race did not include any information that could create a major shake-up in the race. U.S. Congressman John Rose is the only high-profile candidate who’s announced he’s running so far, and he’s the only candidate to report a competitive contribution total.¶
Rose reported raising just over $1.1 million in contributions on this week’s Early Mid Year Supplemental filing. The 6th District Congressman additionally loaned $5 million of his own money to his campaign war chest.¶
Rose has committed to appointing a commissioner of education who has Tennessee teaching experience and he’s been a supporter of President Trump’s plan to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education and provide more autonomy to the states.¶
“I think the states are the laboratories for democracy in this country, and when we return power to states, I think we get better solutions, and we get experimentation across the country. Help us to figure out the best way to approach making sure that American education, and for us here in Tennessee, Tennessee education is providing the training for our students to equip them for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Rose to the Tennessee Firefly following the launch of his campaign last March.¶
Rose On Par with Prior Contenders¶
Rose’s reported contributions are on par with the amount Governor Bill Lee reported during his first primary, along with other contenders.¶
At this point in the year before 2018’s gubernatorial race, Lee reported nearly $1.4 million in contributions while fellow Republican challenger Randy Boyd reported $4.3 million. On the Democratic Party side, former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean reported just over $1.2 million in contributions on his first filing that year.¶
In the 2010 gubernatorial race, former Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey reported $1.3 million on the initial filing in 2009, and U.S. Congressman Zack Wamp reported $1.2 million. The race’s eventual winner, former Governor Bill Haslam, reported $3.5 million.¶
Wait Continues for Republican Challengers¶
Political insiders expect Rose to face at least one well-funded Republican challenger in 2026, but so far, none have announced their candidacy.¶
The most talked-about potential candidate is U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn. Blackburn has not announced she’s running, though such an announcement has been expected for months. Other prominent Republicans who have been mentioned as possible gubernatorial candidates include Ole Smoky Distillery owner Joseph Baker and CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger.¶
Musician Leads Contributions for Democratic Hopefuls¶
Tennessee Democrats did not field a high-profile candidate for governor in 2022, and so far, none have announced for 2026.¶
Only one Democratic candidate reported contributions from someone other than themselves on this week’s filing. Adam “Ditch” Kurtz reported a little more than $4 thousand in contributions.¶
Kurtz is a pedal steel guitar player for country music bands. On his campaign website, Kurtz says he’s supports investing “heavily” in public schools, free Pre-K education and child care, along with “maybe” a statewide monorail system.¶
“Government is supposed to be on your side, not be the enemy. When I am Governor, you will be represented by someone from the actual community who knows what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck or, in my case, gig pay to gig pay,” wrote Kurtz.¶
