Dave Seeman, an independent, is running for governor of Tennessee in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Seeman said on his campaign website that Tennessee is where he was raised, became an engineer, started his small business and invested in his community. He has called climate action his No. 1 priority.

The race includes Marsha Blackburn (Republican) and Jerri Green (Democratic). Independents also on the ballot are Charles Van Morgan, David Hatley, Dean Brewer, Eddie Lee Murphy, Karl Knox Smithson, L. Webb Taylor, Lauren Pinkston, Misam Abidi, Ray Brown, Robert C. Vick, Victor L. Scoggin and Wendell Jackson, according to BallotReady.

Candidate information

  • Party: Independent
  • Education: Bachelor's in mechanical engineering, University of Tennessee (2014), according to BallotReady
  • Work: Head of development at Squarish (2023–present); partner, head of growth and operations at Ovyl (2016–2022), according to BallotReady

On the issues

The following positions come from Seeman's campaign website and his responses on BallotReady. All claims are the candidate's own.

Climate and energy: Seeman said climate action is his No. 1 priority. He said he would build state-owned renewable power, unlock residential solar and finance clean energy statewide. He also called for a temporary moratorium on data centers until the state can extend the ELVIS Act to all synthetic media, ban social scoring and surveillance, and hold companies accountable for job losses and pollution.

Transportation and infrastructure: Seeman said he would create bus routes connecting rural counties, provide a state match for city public transit and fund a large-scale passenger rail feasibility study. He said he would also bury power lines, harden water systems and deliver affordable fiber internet.

Healthcare and families: Seeman said he would take back federal dollars, build a community health center in each county and expand mental health services in every city. He said he would provide comprehensive care for mothers before and after birth, close the coverage gap and cover childcare for households earning under 99k.

Taxes and budget: Seeman said he would end the grocery tax, bulk-purchase insulin and naloxone, wipe out 1B in medical debt and close corporate tax loopholes. He said he would audit state programs costing more than 25M, capture federal grants and make state data available online and searchable.

Housing: Seeman said he would invest in land trusts for permanent affordability, fast-track new buildings and legalize dense housing. He also said he supports Housing First policies and expanded addiction treatment.

Endorsements

Seeman has received endorsements from the Green Party of Tennessee and Moms Demand Action, according to his campaign endorsements page. He has also signed pledges with Patients over Profits, I See Purple and Green New Deal Champions, according to his campaign.

Candidate positions were compiled from Seeman's campaign website and his BallotReady responses. The Brentwood-Nolensville Record did not interview the candidate. This profile is part of the outlet's 2026 election coverage. The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.