Karl Knox Smithson, an independent from McMinnville, is on the ballot for Tennessee governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Smithson is one of several independent candidates certified for the statewide race.
Smithson filed his independent gubernatorial petition on Feb. 19, 2026, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State. The office recorded his petition signatures as approved. He lives in McMinnville, the county seat of Warren County.
He has raised $0 in campaign funds per available disclosures, Tennessee Firefly reported.
Candidate information
- Name: Karl Knox Smithson
- Party: Independent
- Residence: McMinnville, Warren County, Tennessee
- Occupation: Listed by Politics1 as "Homeless Community Activist & Frequent Candidate"
- Petition filed: Feb. 19, 2026
- Ballot status: Certified for the general election
- Campaign funds raised: $0
Other candidates in the race
The Nov. 3 general election ballot for Tennessee governor includes candidates from both major parties and multiple independents, according to BallotReady election data:
- Marsha Blackburn (Republican)
- Jerri Green (Democratic)
- Charles Van Morgan (Independent)
- Dave Seeman (Independent)
- David Hatley (Independent)
- Dean Brewer (Independent)
- Eddie Lee Murphy (Independent)
- L. Webb Taylor (Independent)
- Lauren Pinkston (Independent)
- Misam Abidi (Independent)
- Ray Brown (Independent)
- Robert C. Vick (Independent)
- Victor L. Scoggin (Independent)
- Wendell Jackson (Independent)
Tennessee's governor serves a four-year term and oversees the executive branch of state government, including the state budget, appointments to boards and commissions, and the Tennessee National Guard.
The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.
The Duck River Sentinel's candidate profiles draw on reviewed public records, election data and published candidate materials.
