Karl Knox Smithson, an independent candidate from McMinnville, is on the ballot for Tennessee governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Smithson filed his independent gubernatorial petition on Feb. 19, 2026, and the Tennessee Secretary of State recorded his petition signatures as approved. He is running alongside Republican Marsha Blackburn, Democrat Jerri Green and a dozen other independents.
Candidate information
- Name: Karl Knox Smithson
- Party: Independent
- Residence: McMinnville, Warren County, Tennessee
- Occupation: Homeless community activist and frequent candidate, according to Politics1
- Petition filed: Feb. 19, 2026
- Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
Other candidates
The governor's race includes Marsha Blackburn (Republican), Jerri Green (Democratic), Charles Van Morgan, Dave Seeman, David Hatley, Dean Brewer, Eddie Lee Murphy, L. Webb Taylor, Lauren Pinkston, Misam Abidi, Ray Brown, Robert C. Vick, Victor L. Scoggin and Wendell Jackson, all running as independents.
