Dave Seeman is running as an independent for Tennessee governor in the 2026 general election. The race also includes Republican Marsha Blackburn, Democrat Jerri Green and 12 other independents.
Seeman, an engineer and small-business owner, said on his campaign website that Tennessee is where he "was raised, became an engineer, started my small business, and invested in my community."
Candidate information
- 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
According to BallotReady profile data, Seeman served as partner and head of growth and operations at Ovyl from 2016 to 2022. He has worked as head of development at Squarish since 2023.
On the issues
Seeman's policy positions below are drawn from his campaign website and his BallotReady candidate responses.
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.
Health care. Seeman said he would expand health care by recapturing federal dollars, building a community health center in each county and expanding mental health services in every city. He said he would provide comprehensive care for mothers before and after birth, close the coverage gap and cover childcare for lower-income families. 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 medical debt and close corporate tax loopholes. On transparency, he said he would audit large state programs, capture federal grants and make state data searchable online.
Transportation and infrastructure. Seeman said he would build public transportation, including bus routes connecting rural counties, a state match for city transit, a large-scale passenger rail feasibility study and walkable-streets funding in every county. He also said he would bury power lines, harden water systems and deliver affordable fiber internet.
Housing. Seeman said he would invest in land trusts for permanent affordability, fast-track new buildings, legalize dense housing and cut red tape. He supports a Housing First approach for unhoused residents and expanded addiction treatment.
Endorsements
According to Seeman's endorsements page, the candidate has received the following endorsements or signed the following pledges:
- Green Party of Tennessee (endorsement)
- Moms Demand Action (endorsement)
- Patients over Profits (pledge signed to reject 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)
Candidate positions and biographical details are based on Seeman's campaign website responses and BallotReady profile data. The Hendersonville Register did not interview the candidate for this profile.
