Robert Jones is running as an independent for U.S. Senate in Tennessee in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Jones is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Asked why he is running, Jones said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running because I want my daughter to inherit a government she can trust and a society that she can feel safe living within—and every family deserves the same." He added: "I am running independently and accepting no campaign donations because my responsibility should belong to the people I serve."

Other candidates in the race include Bill Hagerty (Republican), Marquita Bradshaw (Democratic), Andrew Gerena (Independent), Catherine Barcel Whitson (Independent), David Sutman Jr. (Independent), James William Macon III (Independent), Jeremy Dean Hearn (Independent), Tharon Chandler (Independent) and Yoshi D. Matthews (Independent), according to BallotReady.

Candidate information

Party: Independent. Jones said in our questionnaire: "None - I am running as an Independent".

Family: Jones said in our questionnaire: "My wife, Dr. Brooke Jones, is a veterinarian, and we have a seven-year-old daughter, Andi. We live in Upper East Tennessee, where our lives center on family, community, our veterinary practices, and caring for animals."

Education: Jones said in our questionnaire: "I hold a Ph.D. in Classics from the University of Newcastle (NSW Australia), a master's degree in Military History from Austin Peay, an MBA from ETSU, and a BBA-Corporate Finance also from ETSU."

Previous elected office: Jones said in our questionnaire: "None - this is my first time seeking public office".

Experience and public service

Asked about his work history, Jones said in our questionnaire: "I am an educator, small-business owner, archaeologist, and director of a nonprofit." He said he teaches U.S. history, works in archaeology and co-operates two veterinary practices with his wife. Jones also said: "I also direct a nonprofit that rescues neglected and abused farm animals."

This is his first campaign.

On the issues

Top priority: government accountability. Jones said in our questionnaire: "The Senate's most important task is rebuilding public trust through enforceable accountability." He said he would "introduce an accountability package focused on conflicts of interest, financial transparency, lobbying disclosures, whistleblower protections, and meaningful enforcement" and would "prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks."

Campaign finance: Jones said on his campaign website: "I will not accept campaign donations. Your money should stay with you, your family, and your community."

Economy and cost of living: Jones said in our questionnaire: "Congress should address the costs families actually face, with proposals evaluated for measurable results and long-term affordability." He said he supports "stronger enforcement against price-fixing and anticompetitive conduct" and "expanding incentives for affordable housing construction and rehabilitation, particularly in rural communities."

Health care: Jones said in our questionnaire: "As a Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, I know that access to treatment is deeply personal." He said he supports "expanding Medicare's drug-price negotiation authority, increasing competition from generics and biosimilars, and requiring meaningful transparency from insurers, hospitals, and pharmacy benefit managers."

Immigration: Jones said in our questionnaire: "We need secure borders, workable immigration laws, and consistent due process. Congress should stop treating this as a permanent campaign issue and establish clear rules that can be administered fairly without political influence."

National security: Jones said in our questionnaire: "I would oppose an open-ended military campaign or occupation. Any continued combat role should have explicit congressional authorization, narrowly defined objectives, regular public reporting consistent with operational security, and an expiration date requiring a new vote."

Candidate responses were collected through the Brentwood-Nolensville Record's candidate questionnaire and the candidate's campaign website. Answers have been excerpted for length and are presented in the candidate's own words.