Shining a light on education & government in TennesseeShining a light on education & government in TennesseeThe definitive tracker for the 2026 gubernatorial race. Candidates, polls, campaign finance, endorsements, and what it all means for Tennessee's kids and schools.
Last Updated July 21, 2026 · Data from TN Secretary of State, Registry of Election Finance, and public sources
Tennessee Firefly is a product of Tennesseans for Student Success (TSS). These findings come from their statewide survey of 500 registered voters (±4.38% margin of error, 95% confidence).
81% say annual student testing matters. 87% want schools held accountable. 77% oppose removing exams.
4 out of 5 voters say testing is important. 70% support the A-F school grading system. Voters want MORE accountability, not less.
71% support public school choice. 82% support open enrollment. 61% would send their child to a different school.
When cost and location barriers are removed, a clear majority say they'd leave their zoned school. 55% want state intervention in poor-performing schools.
64% say education funds are NOT being spent efficiently. Blame is split across local boards, fraud, and regulations.
Nearly two-thirds of voters believe education dollars are not being spent efficiently. Blame is spread nearly evenly: local boards (31%), fraud (26%), and government regulations (25%).
52% say students are NOT prepared for college or a well-paying job. Two-thirds say keep the Algebra II requirement.
Senator Marsha Blackburn holds 44% in the most recent Republican primary poll (McLaughlin & Associates), with John Rose at 29% and Monty Fritts at 13%. 14% of GOP primary voters remain undecided. On the Democratic side, Jerri Green leads at 14% in the Targoz survey, with Kevin Lee McCants at 11% and 62% undecided.
The defining policy divide: the Education Freedom Scholarship. Blackburn and Rose support expansion. Fritts, the only Republican opposed, calls it “fiscally irresponsible.” Green calls it “welfare for the rich.” The next governor will decide the future of Tennessee's most controversial education program.
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.
A majority has lost confidence in the graduation pipeline. 67% reject lowering the academic bar, even for workforce pathways. 39% say they lack information about career paths.