James William Macon III is running as an independent for the U.S. Senate seat representing Tennessee in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Macon is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. Other certified candidates include Bill Hagerty, a Republican; Marquita Bradshaw, a Democrat; and seven other independents: Andrew Gerena, Catherine Barcel Whitson, David Sutman Jr., Jeremy Dean Hearn, Robert Jones, Tharon Chandler and Yoshi D. Matthews.

Candidate information

  • Name: James William Macon III
  • Party: Independent
  • Office sought: U.S. Senate - Tennessee
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026

Macon described himself on his Civoren candidate questionnaire as "a husband, father, business leader, community servant, and problem-solver" who has spent more than two decades leading organizations and managing what he called billion-dollar budgets.

Experience and public service

According to BallotReady profile data, Macon's professional background spans media and corporate supply-chain management:

  • CBS News/WBBM Chicago (2000–2001)
  • Network video editor at CNN (2002–2004)
  • Operations manager at Williams Sonoma (2006–2012)
  • Director of indirect sourcing at Wright Medical (2019–2020)
  • Director of indirect procurement at Stryker Careers (2020–present)

Macon also said on his Civoren questionnaire that he has experience at Medtronic.

On the issues

Campaign finance: Macon said he does not accept contributions or donations. He said he believes elected officials should spend more time listening to citizens than fundraising, according to his Civoren questionnaire response.

Campaign platform: Macon said his campaign focuses on restoring accountability, strengthening oversight and checks and balances, improving education and healthcare outcomes, supporting economic growth, protecting homeownership, strengthening agriculture, reducing poverty and pursuing long-term fiscal responsibility.

Candidate positions and biographical details are drawn from Macon's Civoren candidate questionnaire and BallotReady profile data. The Mt. Juliet Journal did not interview the candidate for this profile.