The Libertarian Party of Tennessee has formally invited all candidates running for governor in 2026 to attend its annual convention next April. According to recent state filings, thirteen individuals have formally submitted paperwork to run.
In a brief November 25 statement, the party said it invited all candidates to its convention, calling it “the largest gathering of issue-based voters, state-level legislators, globally-known podcasters, and constitutional scholars in the state.” The party did not explain if it had plans for the candidates to participate in a formal panel or debate.
As the party did not provide a specific list beyond “all” and news reports on the total number of candidates have varied, Independent Political Report consulted Tennessee’s campaign finance portal, which currently identifies 13 candidates who have filed for the 2026 governor’s race.
On the Republican side, filings include U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Rep. John Rose, and State Rep. Monty Fritts, along with candidates Victory Scoggin and Cito Pellegra. Among Democrats, Jerri Green, a Memphis City Council member, has filed, as have Carnita Atwater, Brandee Derosier, Tim Cyr, and Adam Kurtz. Three candidates are also running as independents, including Lauren Pinkston, Stephen Maxwell, and Manasa Reddy.
The decision to invite all candidates is similar to a move by the national Libertarian Party in 2024, when the Libertarian National Committee issued invitations to Democratic President Joe Biden, Republican and then-candidate President Donald Trump, and independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to attend its national convention. The decision was presented as an attempt to elevate the Libertarian Party’s role as a swing constituency, with Trump and Kennedy ultimately attending.
The Libertarian Party of Tennessee also linked to early registration for the 2026 convention but has not released further details about the event, including its venue and exact date. According to the website, annual party membership costs $25, with an additional $25 for convention access and optional dinner registration available. IPR contacted the Libertarian Party of Tennessee last week seeking further information but has not received a response.
Normally, I would urge a state party to spend some time and effort on developing candidates for office. Unfortunately, in Tennessee’s case, the state party refused to endorse Chase Oliver for President because he was gay. So, perhaps it’s for the best that this particular state party sit out the state races, though I hope there are some decent-thinking Libertarians in that state who can go to the next convention and right that listing ship that is the Tennessee state LP.
Adamson Scott: The party has not identified any individual, nor have I found anyone openly presenting themselves as a Libertarian candidate. At this point, I’d say no.
So is there an actual Libertarian in the race?