Yoshi D. Matthews is running as an Independent for U.S. Senate in Tennessee's Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Matthews is among several candidates in the race, according to BallotReady election data. The field includes Republican Bill Hagerty and Democrat Marquita Bradshaw. Seven other Independents are also running: Andrew Gerena, Catherine Barcel Whitson, David Sutman Jr., James William Macon III, Jeremy Dean Hearn, Robert Jones and Tharon Chandler.
On her campaign website, Matthews said Tennesseans deserve leadership reflecting the state's values of fiscal responsibility, public safety, strong local communities and limited government. She said elections should be about ideas, results and a clear vision for the state's future, not party labels or personal background.
Candidate information
- Office sought: U.S. Senate, Tennessee
- Party: Independent
- Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
- Education: Bachelor of science in business in accounting, University of Phoenix; master of science in accountancy, University of Phoenix (expected fall 2026), according to her campaign website
- CPA status: Eligible to sit for the certified public accountant exam; plans to take the exam in 2026, according to her campaign website
- Campaign committee: Yoshi Matthews for US Senate, registered at 919 Conference Drive, Suite 4-108, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072, with Matthews listed as treasurer, according to FEC records
Experience and public service
Matthews founded FTP Nonprofit. She is listed as the organization's founder, according to BallotReady.
On the issues
Economy and cost of living: Matthews said she supports lowering the cost of living, supporting working families and small businesses, and promoting responsible economic growth in Tennessee, according to her issues page.
Property tax relief: Matthews said she supports targeted property tax relief policies that would allow seniors who have spent decades working and contributing to their communities to remain in their homes with stability and dignity, according to her issue responses. She said her approach focuses on balancing responsible fiscal policy with protections for long-time homeowners.
Universal basic income: Matthews said policymakers must begin preparing for economic changes driven by new technologies. She described universal basic income as a policy concept worth exploring to ensure every American shares in economic growth made possible by new technologies and productivity gains, according to her issue responses.
Border security and immigration: Matthews said she supports securing the border, enforcing immigration laws and supporting a functional legal immigration system, according to her campaign website.
Education: Matthews said she supports strengthening education, expanding workforce opportunities and ensuring Tennessee students are prepared for successful careers, according to her campaign website.
Candidate responses were drawn from Matthews' campaign website, her BallotReady questionnaire responses and FEC filings. The Duck River Sentinel did not interview the candidate for this profile.
