Former Lipscomb University professor Lauren Pinkston will run for governor as an independent candidate, the Tennessee Lookout reports. Pinkston, a first-time candidate from Columbia, has built her career researching human trafficking prevention and community development. Her campaign will focus on agriculture and education. She holds a doctorate from Clemson University and previously taught in the Lipscomb University College of Business. Pinkston will launch her campaign Saturday with events in Selmer, Columbia and Chattanooga. She joins a crowded field with 10 others vying for the office.

Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Marie Feagins is running in the Democratic primary for Shelby County mayor, The Daily Memphian reports. Records from the Shelby County Election Commission show Feagins has filed a form appointing a treasurer for her campaign. She joins six other contenders in the May primary, with the winner advancing to the August general election. Feagins came to Memphis in February 2024 as the district’s new superintendent. The school board fired her in January 2025, and she has since filed suit seeking to regain the position.

Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee is seeking to replace retiring General Sessions Court Judge Andrew Jackson VI, Knox News reports. Jackson announced his retirement in October, effective at the end of the year. The county commission will name a replacement for Jackson to serve through the end of his term. Lee says that if she is not selected for the temporary appointment, she will run in August 2026 for the seat. The commission is seeking applications and resumes from candidates interested in finishing out Jackson’s term. It will interview candidates on Dec. 8.

Jackson lawyer Jen Free has announced her intention to run for Madison County General Sessions Court judge, WBBJ reports. Free, an attorney with Byrd & Byrd, brings over two decades of courtroom experience and community involvement to her campaign. “The people of Madison County deserve a judge who is efficient, fair and deeply committed to justice,” said Free. “In General Sessions Court, every citizen should have their case heard promptly and with respect by a judge who applies the law with precision and integrity.” Free received her law degree from Nashville School of Law. The primary election is set for May 5, 2026, with the general election on Aug. 6, 2026.

Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic has announced he will run for the District 80 seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Rep. Johnny Shaw, D-Bolivar, who says he is not seeking reelection in 2026. The Tennessee Journal reports that McTizic will run for the seat as a Republican. “I see this as a tremendous opportunity to continue my efforts in helping the community I love so much. My entire career has focused on helping people in need, and I would be blessed to and honored to serve the citizens of Hardeman, Haywood and Madison counties in the state house,” McTizic said. He is the youngest and first Black mayor of Bolivar and has served in that office since 2017. McTizic is president of the Tennessee Mayor’s Association and the West Tennessee Mayor’s Association. WBBJ has more on the story.

Former State Rep. Brandon Ogles announced his campaign for Williamson County mayor, pledging to stand up for local residents against unchecked growth, overdevelopment and state funding, the Williamson Herald reports. Ogles, a Franklin native and former state lawmaker, highlighted his work on school safety legislation during his time in the General Assembly, including efforts to fund school resource officers and threat-assessment teams statewide. A former reserve deputy with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogles said he hopes to bring his experience in public safety and fiscal policy to county government.

Clarksville attorney Erin Poland Nolder has announced her intention to run for Montgomery County General Sessions judge, Clarksville Now reports. Nolder currently serves as senior attorney and firm partner at Poland & Poland Attorneys at Law, where she is lead counsel for criminal and civil litigation. She earned her law degree from the Nashville School of Law. “I believe our next judge should have a deep and concentrated understanding of the unique challenges and needs of our community," Nolder said. The primary election is set for May 5, 2026, with the general election on Aug. 6, 2026.

Early voting begins today in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special primary, a crowded race to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Green, Axios Nashville reports. The district stretches from downtown Nashville through western Davidson County to Clarksville and several rural counties. Eleven Republicans and four Democrats are on the ballot, including state lawmakers Jody Barrett, Gino Bulso and Lee Reeves on the Republican ticket and Aftyn Behn, Vincent Dixie and Bo Mitchell on the Democratic. Early voting runs through Oct. 2, and the primary election is set for Oct. 7.

Knox County Commissioner Kim Frazier has announced her candidacy to replace term-limited county Mayor Glenn Jacobs in 2026, Knox News reports. She joins fellow Republican contenders Commissioner Larsen Jay, who entered the race in January 2024, and school board member Betsy Henderson, who announced in March. “My decision to pursue the immense privilege of being the next Knox County mayor isn’t about anyone but the people who make this county great,” Frazier told Knox News. “I feel the responsibility to give them a leader who will always put their community first.” The Republican primary is set for May 5, 2026, with the general election scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026.

Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Tori Smith has announced her candidacy for the August 2026 special election to permanently fill the seat, Chattanoogan.com reports. Smith was appointed to the bench in 2024 to fill a vacancy created by Judge Alex McVeagh’s election to the 11th Judicial District Circuit Court. Her campaign said she has presided “with a commitment to ensuring that all who enter her courtroom are treated with dignity.” Before her appointment, Smith worked as an attorney in the 11th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office. The special election is set for Aug. 6, 2026.