Robert Jones is running as an independent for U.S. Senate in Tennessee's Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Jones said in our candidate questionnaire that this is his first time seeking public office.

Jones said in our questionnaire that he wants his daughter "to inherit a government she can trust." He said he is "running independently and accepting no campaign donations" because his "responsibility should belong to the people I serve."

The race includes Bill Hagerty (Republican), Marquita Bradshaw (Democratic), Andrew Gerena (Independent), Catherine Barcel Whitson (Independent), David Sutman Jr. (Independent), James William Macon III (Independent), Jeremy Dean Hearn (Independent), Tharon Chandler (Independent) and Yoshi D. Matthews (Independent), according to BallotReady.

Candidate information

Party: Independent

Family: Jones said his wife, Dr. Brooke Jones, is a veterinarian. He said they have a seven-year-old daughter, Andi, and "live in Upper East Tennessee."

Education: According to BallotReady, Jones holds a doctorate in classics from the University of Newcastle, a master's in military history from Austin Peay State University and a master of business administration from East Tennessee State University.

Occupation: Jones said he is "an educator, small-business owner, archaeologist, and director of a nonprofit." He said he teaches U.S. history, works in archaeology and that he and his wife operate two veterinary practices. He also said he directs a nonprofit that rescues neglected and abused farm animals.

Experience and public service

Jones has held no elected office, he said. Asked what accomplishments prepare him, he said operating businesses "has required managing budgets, supporting employees, and making decisions with consequences for families, patients, and clients."

On the issues

Top priority — government accountability: Jones said the Senate's most important task "is rebuilding public trust through enforceable accountability." He said he would introduce a package focused on "conflicts of interest, financial transparency, lobbying disclosures, whistleblower protections, and meaningful enforcement" that would "prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks."

Campaign finance: Jones said on his campaign website that he will not accept campaign donations. "Your money should stay with you, your family, and your community," he said.

Economy and cost of living: Jones said he would support expanding incentives for affordable housing construction, "particularly in rural communities," and stronger enforcement against price-fixing.

Health care: Jones, who identified himself as a Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, said he supports expanding Medicare's drug-price negotiation authority and "requiring meaningful transparency from insurers, hospitals, and pharmacy benefit managers."

Immigration: Jones said the country needs "secure borders, workable immigration laws, and consistent due process." He said Congress should "stop treating this as a permanent campaign issue and establish clear rules."

Federal spending: Jones said fiscal responsibility "requires examining spending and revenue honestly." He added: "We cannot promise everything, cut revenue indefinitely, and assume the debt will resolve itself."

National security: Jones said he would oppose "an open-ended military campaign or occupation" regarding Iran and that any continued combat role should require explicit congressional authorization with "an expiration date requiring a new vote."

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire. All positions and claims are attributed to the candidate. The Hendersonville Register does not endorse candidates.