United States Senate Tennessee in Statewide, Tennessee

2026 Primary Election

• Bill Hagerty — Incumbent United States Senator in TN

  Bill Hagerty is the junior Republican Senator for Tennessee, having served since January 3, 2021. He is 66 years old and is next up for reelection in 2026. Before his Senate service, Hagerty was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2017 to 2019 and served as Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic Development from 2011 to 2014. He also worked as director of presidential appointments for the 2016 Trump Transition Team and is a founder of a private equity investment firm. As a Senator, he is a member of the Appropriations, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Foreign Relations Committees, frequently engaging in discussions on foreign policy and economic issues.

• Marquita Bradshaw — Founder, Sowing Justice in Memphis, TN

  Marquita Bradshaw, born in Memphis, Tennessee, is an environmentalist, activist, and single mother who earned her bachelor's from the University of Memphis. She is currently campaigning as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee's 2026 primary. Bradshaw has held roles such as environmental justice chair for the Sierra Club in Tennessee and founded the environmental engagement organization Sowing Justice. Her platform emphasizes environmental justice principles, and she aims to represent working-class individuals, believing the Senate currently lacks their perspective. Bradshaw previously secured the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 2020, becoming the first African American woman to achieve this in a Tennessee statewide race, and also ran in the 2024 primary.

• Maria Brewer — Director of Party Affairs at Tennessee Democratic Party in Nashville, TN

  Maria Brewer, a Democratic candidate, is running for the U.S. Senate to represent Tennessee in the 2026 election, appearing on the August 6, 2026 primary ballot. Since January 2015, she has served as the Director of Party Affairs for the Tennessee Democratic Party, where she plans statewide leadership development and manages DNC delegate selection processes. Her professional background also includes roles in customer service and marketing. Brewer holds a BA in History and English from Northwestern University and a DNC Train the Trainer certification. Her campaign has reported no contributions for the current election cycle.

• Kevin Lee Mccants — Candidate for United States Senate in Murfreesboro, TN

  Kevin Lee McCants is a Democratic candidate on the ballot for both Governor and United States Senate in Tennessee's August 6, 2026 primary election. Based in Murfreesboro, he previously sought election for U.S. Senate in 2018. McCants filed late for the 2026 gubernatorial primary but has shown a notable presence, polling at 11% in an April 2026 Democratic primary survey for Governor. Despite his ability to register with voters, he has maintained a minimal earned media profile and has not yet issued detailed public statements on education policy as of mid-May 2026.

• Civil Miller-Watkins — Middle school teacher in Somerville, TN

  Civil Miller-Watkins is a 58-year-old Democrat running for the U.S. Senate to represent Tennessee. She is an educator by profession, having worked as a middle school teacher and earned multiple degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin, including a Bachelor of Science in sociology, a Bachelor of Science in social work, and a master's degree in education. Miller-Watkins has a background in public service, having served as the vice-chair of the Board of Education for Fayette County Public Schools and as secretary of the Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association. She also previously held a director position at EIJ Solutions.

• Diana Onyejiaka — Businesswoman in Nashville, TN

  Diana Onyejiaka, a 41-year-old businesswoman and Democrat from Nashville, Tennessee, is running for the U.S. Senate in 2026. She holds degrees in political science, public administration, and law, with career experience in healthcare compliance, higher education, federal mediation, and public policy. She also founded the Youth - Trainee Culture & Sustainability Project and DC Consult International. Onyejiaka is running to advocate for all working Tennesseans, aiming to strengthen families, protect freedom, and improve government efficacy. Her legislative commitments include restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits, modernizing postpartum care, providing caregiver incentives, and reforming hospital systems. Faith is central to her life and how she intends to serve.

• Tharon Chandler — Farmer in Lawrenceburg, TN

  William Tharon Chandler, an independent candidate, is seeking election to the U.S. Senate representing Tennessee in 2026. Born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, he served in the U.S. Army in 1991. He holds a bachelor's degree in German and economics from Memphis State University and pursued graduate studies in education. Chandler's diverse career includes roles as a journalist, economist, Christian missionary, conservationist, and currently, a farmer. Affiliated with groups like Gulf War Veterans Against the War and the Fraternal Order of Police, he is described as a perennial candidate, having previously run for both U.S. House and Senate seats.

• Andrew Gerena — Candidate for U.S. Senate in TN

  Andrew Gerena is an Independent candidate running for the U.S. Senate to represent Tennessee in the 2026 election. He is committed to campaigning outside the two-party system, advocating for a people-powered approach by relying on grassroots donors and rejecting the influence of special interests. Gerena pledges to be accountable and transparent, fight corruption, and uphold civility throughout his campaign, aiming to build a better democracy.

• Jeremy Dean Hearn — Candidate for United States Senate in TN

  Jeremy Dean Hearn is an independent candidate seeking election to the U.S. Senate to represent Tennessee in the 2026 general election. Committed to running a campaign outside the two-party system, Hearn aligns with principles of being people-powered, rejecting special interest and big money influence in favor of grassroots donors. He pledges anti-corruption, emphasizing accountability, transparency in policy agendas, and reporting attempts of undue influence. Hearn also commits to civility in his campaign, promising to run a clean race free of mudslinging.

• Robert Jones — Candidate for United States Senate in TN

  Robert Jones is an Independent candidate running for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee in the 2026 election. His campaign slogan is "Unity Through Community," and he advocates for an "Accountability Act" to ensure public servants respond to the will of their constituents. Jones pledges not to accept campaign donations, instead encouraging supporters to contribute to their communities or volunteer for his "ALL95 journey through Tennessee." He is committed to a people-powered, anti-corruption, and civil campaign, rejecting special interest influence.

• James William Macon Iii — Candidate for U.S. Senate in TN

  James William Macon III is an independent candidate seeking election to the U.S. Senate to represent Tennessee. He is officially on the ballot for the August 6, 2026 primary election and is also listed as a candidate for the general election on November 3, 2026. Details regarding his professional background, policy positions, or specific reasons for running are not available in the provided search results. Campaign finance data indicates no reported receipts or disbursements for his candidacy.

• Yoshi D. Matthews — nonprofit founder, accounting professional in TN

  Yoshi Matthews is an Independent candidate running for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee in the 2026 election. A Tennessee resident, nonprofit founder, and accounting professional, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Accounting and is pursuing a Master of Science in Accountancy, making her eligible for the CPA exam. Her campaign, "Putting Tennessee First," focuses on practical solutions to support economic stability, responsible government, and strong local communities. Matthews emphasizes thoughtful policy discussions, fiscal responsibility, and addressing everyday Tennesseans' issues. Her top priorities include reparations, senior property taxes, and universal basic income. She aims to be a new kind of leader and a voice for Tennessee.

• Jr. David Sutman — Truck driver in TN

  David Sutman Jr. is an independent candidate running for the U.S. Senate to represent Tennessee in 2026. A working-class Tennessean and political outsider, Sutman’s career experience includes working as a truck driver. He aims to bring accountability back to Washington by focusing on real solutions for the people of Tennessee rather than partisan gridlock. His platform emphasizes lowering costs for families, promoting economic growth, and supporting small businesses to help Tennesseans get ahead. He advocates for practical, transparent governance focused on results over party loyalty.

• Catherine Barcel "barcy" Whitson — Candidate for United States Senate in TN

  Catherine 'Barcy' Barcel Whitson is an Independent candidate seeking a seat in the United States Senate, representing Tennessee in the 2026 Primary Election. She is a female candidate, and her name appears on ballots for the August 6, 2026 primary across multiple counties, including Madison and Davidson. Her candidacy is focused on the U.S. Senate race for Tennessee, alongside numerous other candidates from various parties. Further details regarding her professional background, policy positions, or reasons for running are not specified in the available information.