Independent Lauren Pinkston runs for Tennessee governor as polls show her at 2%
The gist
Independent candidate Lauren Pinkston is running for Tennessee governor with $342,264 raised and 2% in one poll.
Three women are in the race, nearly ensuring Tennessee's first female governor.
How it unfolded
- Aug 10, 2026Filings compiled from the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance showed Pinkston had raised $342,264, including $98,182 in personal loans, with $17,620 cash on hand.
- Sep 15, 2026Reporting described Pinkston and independent David Hatley as drawing substantial attention and fundraising.
- Late September 2026Democratic nominee Jerri Green called Pinkston and asked her to drop out of the race; Pinkston refused.