An early look at Tennessee's 2026 governor's race
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If the 2026 governor's race were a concert, we'd be at the part where the lights are turned down and the opener is about to take the stage.
Why it matters: With Gov. Bill Lee term-limited and Republicans enjoying a stranglehold on state politics, the GOP primary in two years figures to become an old-school mosh pit.
State of play: Two possible candidates with backgrounds similar to Lee's are making moves in advance of gubernatorial bids.
- Damon Hininger and Joe Baker are each deep-pocketed businesspeople who haven't run for major public office before.
Zoom in: Hininger is CEO of the Brentwood-based private prison company CoreCivic. He worked his way up to the top job after starting as a correctional officer.
- Baker is an East Tennessee attorney and co-founder of Yee-Haw Brewing Co. and Ole Smoky moonshine distillery.
The intrigue: The two have been making the rounds talking to GOP campaign consultants about running for governor.
- Hininger chaired the committee that put on last weekend's Republican Statesmen's Dinner. He and his wife Carrie provided attendees with whiskey glasses engraved with the state GOP logo, the Tennessee Journal reported.
- "Haven't obviously made any decisions on anything relative to running for elective office but I'm encouraged by conversations I have had and would like to have more," Hininger told the Tennessee Journal.
- Baker used the Statesmen's Dinner to schmooze as well. Old Smoky and Yee-Haw hosted an after-party.
What we're watching: Viable candidates will likely begin entering the race soon. In addition to Hininger and Baker, public officials such as Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, U.S. Rep. John Rose, U.S. Rep. Mark Green, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Secretary of State Tre Hargett seem to be mulling running for governor.
- Of that group, Rose and Jacobs seem closest to running. Rose has the financial capacity to significantly contribute to a campaign.
The other side: Democrats would enter the 2026 race as significant underdogs.
- If U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen retires from Congress, then top Democrats from the Memphis area could take a long look at that seat.
- Some of those same potential candidates, such as Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Sen. London Lamar and Rep. Justin Pearson, would be Democratic contenders for governor as well.
Go deeper: Read the Tennessee Journal's report on the early stages of the 2026 GOP race.