Ray Brown, an electrician from Oliver Springs in Anderson County, is running as an independent candidate for Tennessee governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Brown filed his independent candidacy petition with the Tennessee Secretary of State on Jan. 14, 2026, the earliest filing among the 13 independent gubernatorial candidates, according to Tennessee Firefly. Other candidates in the race include Marsha Blackburn (Republican), Jerri Green (Democratic) and 12 additional independents.
Candidate information
- Full name: Edgar Ray Brown
- Party: Independent
- Residence: Oliver Springs, Anderson County, Tennessee
- Occupation: Electrician
- Education: Associate's in science, Roane State Community College (2005); associate's in advanced materials technology, Roane State Community College (2011); associate's in electrical and electronics engineering, Pellissippi State Community College (2023)
Experience
Brown has worked as an electrician at the Y-12 National Security Complex since 2018, according to his BallotReady profile. He previously served as an intelligence specialist at Delta 21 from 2011 to 2026.
He also worked as a software tech at Sitel from 2010 to 2011 and as an assistant store manager at K-Va-T from 2008 to 2010.
On the issues
Government corruption: Brown said he would confront corruption in both the legislative and judicial systems. "I have the balls to stand up against corruption within both legislative and judicial system," Brown said in a candidate questionnaire published by Daughter of Tennessee.
