Dave Seeman is running as an independent for Tennessee governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Seeman, an engineer and small-business owner, 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 calls climate action his top priority and lists healthcare expansion, public transportation and affordable housing among his central campaign issues.
The governor's race features a large field. Other candidates on the ballot include Marsha Blackburn (Republican), Jerri Green (Democratic) and 12 additional independents, according to BallotReady.
Candidate information
- Name: Dave Seeman
- Party: Independent
- Office sought: Tennessee governor
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Education: Bachelor's in mechanical engineering, University of Tennessee (2014)
Experience and public service
Seeman served as partner and head of growth and operations at Ovyl from 2016 to 2022, according to his BallotReady profile. He has worked as head of development at Squarish from 2023 to the present.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Seeman's campaign website and his responses on BallotReady. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.
Climate and energy: Seeman said climate action is his top priority. He said he would build state-owned renewable power, unlock residential solar and finance clean energy statewide. He also called for burying power lines, hardening water systems and delivering affordable fiber internet.
Healthcare: 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 close the coverage gap, provide comprehensive care for mothers before and after birth and cover childcare for incomes under 99k. He also said he would provide full medical, dental, vision and health care for every child.
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 programs over 25M, capture federal grants and make state data online and searchable.
Transportation: Seeman said he would build public transportation, including bus routes connecting rural counties, a state match for city public transit, a large-scale passenger rail feasibility study and walkable streets funding in every county.
Housing: Seeman said he would invest in land trusts for permanent affordability, fast-track new buildings, legalize dense housing and cut red tape. He also said he would support Housing First policies and expand naloxone and addiction treatment.
Endorsements
The following endorsements and pledges are listed on Seeman's endorsements page. Organizational endorsements are credited to the endorser; pledges are claimed by the candidate.
- Green Party of Tennessee (endorsed)
- Moms Demand Action (endorsed)
- Patients over Profits (pledge signed, rejecting campaign contributions from corporate health care industry executives, lobbyists and PACs)
- I See Purple (Purple Pledge signed, affirming commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance)
- Green New Deal Champions (No Fossil Fuel Money pledge signed, rejecting fossil fuel money)
Candidate responses were collected through BallotReady and the candidate's campaign website. This profile is based on publicly available information and candidate-provided responses.
