Wendell Jackson is running for Tennessee governor as an independent in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Jackson describes his campaign as "a nonpartisan, constitution advocating/upholding, no money campaign," according to his campaign website.

Candidate information

  • Name: Wendell Jackson
  • Party: Independent
  • Office sought: Tennessee Governor
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Ballot status: Certified for the ballot

Jackson declined to submit answers to the Nashville Banner's policy questionnaire, instead referring voters to his YouTube channel, the Banner reported.

On the issues

Jackson's positions below are from his campaign website and BallotReady response. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Governance: Jackson promotes a T.A.L.K. platform: Transparency, Accountability, Love and Kindness. He said voters would have access to the inner workings of the governor's office. He said citizens, as employers, would be able to visit the State Capitol to ask about unaddressed issues.

Healthcare: Jackson said a system that benefits all would be implemented, describing his approach as "people over profit."

Housing: Jackson said secure housing for all would be a priority.

Education: Jackson said he advocates for a "Curriculum of Common Knowledge," which he described as STEAM-rich and logic-based.

Workforce and economy: Jackson said he would develop training programs and create incentives for businesses that hire and train local talent. He said he would foster community partnerships to address unemployment and underemployment.

Editor's note: Jackson's responses did not include specific funding mechanisms, cost estimates or timelines for these proposals.

The other candidates certified for this race are: Charles Van Morgan (Independent), Dave Seeman (Independent), David Hatley (Independent), Dean Brewer (Independent), Eddie Lee Murphy (Independent), Jerri Green (Democratic), Karl Knox Smithson (Independent), L. Webb Taylor (Independent), Lauren Pinkston (Independent), Marsha Blackburn (Republican), Misam Abidi (Independent), Ray Brown (Independent), Robert C. Vick (Independent) and Victor L. Scoggin (Independent), according to BallotReady.