Tennessee
2026.
Compare where Tennessee's 2026 candidates stand on the issues that shape kids' futures — early childhood education, child hunger, and parental support. Find upcoming forums, debates, and town halls so you can meet and hear from candidates directly before you vote.
Aug 6
Nov 3
Governor
For the first time since 2018, Tennessee will elect a new governor. Bill Lee is term-limited, drawing a competitive Republican primary and giving Democrats their first open-seat shot in eight years.
Republican Primary
Aug 6 PrimaryDemocratic Primary
Aug 6 PrimaryIndependent
Nov 3 GeneralU.S. Senate
Senator Bill Hagerty is unopposed in his Republican primary and enters the general election with a strong fundraising lead. Tennessee has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1990.
Republican Primary
UnopposedDemocratic Primary
5 FiledFederalist · General Ballot
Nov 3U.S. House
All nine Tennessee congressional seats are on the ballot. The most competitive race is TN-5 (Nashville-area), where the DCCC is targeting incumbent Andy Ogles. The TN-6 seat is open following John Rose's gubernatorial run, and TN-9 features a high-profile Democratic primary.
Compare Candidates
Pick a race below to see its candidates, then select up to 4 to compare side-by-side on early childhood education, child hunger, and parental support. Selections carry over when you switch races, so you can compare candidates from different races (e.g. Governor vs. a House district).
Local Elections
Local races added by reader request after editorial review. Have a race we should cover? Suggest one below.
Knox County Mayor
R Primary May 5 · General Aug 6Open seat — Mayor Glenn Jacobs (R) is term-limited. Three Republicans compete in the May 5 primary; Democrat Beau Hawk is unopposed and advances to the August 6 general. Knox County has not elected a Democratic mayor since 2002.
Forums & Events
Debates, candidate forums, and town halls across Tennessee. Tentative listings reflect events expected based on the election calendar; confirm details with the host before attending.
Knox County Republican Primary
Larsen Jay, Betsy Henderson, and Kim Frazier compete for the GOP mayoral nomination. Winner faces Democrat Beau Hawk in the August 6 general. Early voting ran April 15–30.
GOP Gubernatorial Primary Debate
Republican primary candidates Marsha Blackburn, John Rose, and Monty Fritts. Date and host TBD; pre-primary debate expected late June or early July.
Democratic Gubernatorial Forum
Jerri Green and Dr. Carnita Atwater face questions ahead of the August primary. Anticipated Memphis-area host.
U.S. Senate Candidate Forum
Democratic primary candidates including Marquita Bradshaw and Maria Brewer. Expected LWV Tennessee co-host.
General Election Gubernatorial Debate
The major-party gubernatorial nominees face off ahead of November. Likely Vanderbilt or MTSU host.
LWV Tennessee Statewide Forum Series
League of Women Voters chapters host candidate forums across the state from July through October. Check chapter pages for dates.
Suggest an Election
Have a race we should cover? Tell us about it. Submissions are reviewed by the editor and added to the Local Elections section if a fit. Mayors, county commissions, school boards, sheriffs, judges — all welcome.