David Sutman Jr. is running as an independent for the U.S. Senate seat representing Tennessee in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Sutman, of Gray, Tennessee, qualified by petition and filed March 6, according to Tennessee Firefly. The race is crowded. Other candidates include Bill Hagerty, a Republican; Marquita Bradshaw, a Democrat; and seven other independents: Andrew Gerena, Catherine Barcel Whitson, James William Macon III, Jeremy Dean Hearn, Robert Jones, Tharon Chandler and Yoshi D. Matthews, according to BallotReady election data. The statewide contest will appear on ballots across Williamson and Maury counties.

Candidate information

  • Name: David Sutman Jr.
  • Party: Independent
  • Hometown: Gray, Tennessee
  • Filing date: March 6 (qualified by petition)
  • Ballot status: Certified for the ballot

Sutman said on his campaign website that he comes from a working-class background and built his experience "in the real world — not in political offices, but in business, problem-solving, and navigating the same economy that millions of Tennesseans face every day." No specific employers, job titles or educational credentials appear in his public campaign materials.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Sutman's campaign website and his BallotReady candidate response. They reflect the candidate's own statements.

Cost of living: Sutman said groceries, housing and fuel are "crushing working families" and that Washington "continues to spend without accountability." He said he would focus on practical solutions that reduce everyday costs for Tennesseans.

Government reform: Sutman said he supports term limits for members of Congress and increased government transparency. He also said he would push to cut wasteful spending. He did not identify specific programs or dollar amounts he would target.

Independent leadership: Sutman said he owes "no blind loyalty to Democrats or Republicans" and would base decisions on what benefits constituents rather than party leadership. He said he wants to break what he called the cycle of partisan gridlock.

Economy: Sutman said he would support small businesses and promote economic opportunity. His campaign materials did not include specific tax proposals or business programs.

Public safety: Sutman said he stands for "respect for the rule of law."

The candidate's issue positions were collected from his campaign website and his BallotReady questionnaire response. The Duck River Sentinel presents them for voter information and does not endorse any candidate.