Wendell Jackson is running for Tennessee governor as an independent in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Jackson is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. Other candidates in the race include Republican Marsha Blackburn, Democrat Jerri Green, and independents Charles Van Morgan, Dave Seeman, David Hatley, Dean Brewer, Eddie Lee Murphy, Karl Knox Smithson, L. Webb Taylor, Lauren Pinkston, Misam Abidi, Ray Brown, Robert C. Vick and Victor L. Scoggin. Jackson describes his campaign as a "nonpartisan, constitution advocating/upholding, no money campaign," according to his campaign website.

Candidate information

  • Name: Wendell Jackson
  • Party: Independent
  • Office sought: Tennessee Governor
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Ballot status: Certified for the ballot

Jackson declined to submit answers to the Nashville Banner's policy questionnaire, instead referring voters to his YouTube channel, the Banner reported.

On the issues

Jackson's policy positions are drawn from his campaign website and his BallotReady responses.

Governance: Jackson promotes what he calls a T.A.L.K. platform. The acronym stands for Transparency, Accountability, Love and Kindness. He said voters would have access to "the inner workings of the Governor's office" and that citizens could visit the State Capitol to ask about unaddressed issues, according to his campaign website.

Healthcare: Jackson said on his campaign website that healthcare, both mental and physical, would be a priority. He said a system "that benefits all will be implemented" and described his approach as "people over profit."

Housing: Jackson said secure housing for all Tennesseans would be a priority. He described housing and healthcare as linked, saying residents should be "given the opportunity to thrive, not barely survive," according to his campaign website.

Education: Jackson said he supports what he calls a "Curriculum of Common Knowledge," which he described as STEAM-rich and logic-based. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. He said the curriculum would help people achieve "liberty and balance" and work toward world peace, according to his campaign website.

Economy and workforce: Jackson said he wants to develop workforce training programs and create incentives for businesses that hire and train local talent. He also said he would foster community partnerships to address unemployment and underemployment, according to his campaign website.