Robert Jones is running as an independent for U.S. Senate in Tennessee in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Asked why he is running, Jones said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running because I want my daughter to inherit a government she can trust and a society that she can feel safe living within—and every family deserves the same."

The race includes Bill Hagerty (Republican), Marquita Bradshaw (Democratic) and seven other candidates, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

Party: Independent. Jones said in our questionnaire: "None - I am running as an Independent"

Family: Jones said in our questionnaire: "My wife, Dr. Brooke Jones, is a veterinarian, and we have a seven-year-old daughter, Andi. We live in Upper East Tennessee."

Education: Jones said in our questionnaire: "I hold a Ph.D. in Classics from the University of Newcastle (NSW Australia), a master's degree in Military History from Austin Peay, an MBA from ETSU, and a BBA-Corporate Finance also from ETSU. …"

Occupation: Jones said in our questionnaire: "I am an educator, small-business owner, archaeologist, and director of a nonprofit. … My wife and I currently operate two veterinary practices. … I also direct a nonprofit that rescues neglected and abused farm animals."

Previous elected office: Jones said in our questionnaire: "None - this is my first time seeking public office"

Jones also said on his campaign website that he started his business life at 17 by running a small snack shop in a seasonal Tennessee mountain retreat and that he survived a cancer diagnosis.

On the issues

Government accountability: Asked about his top Senate priority, Jones said in our questionnaire: "The Senate's most important task is rebuilding public trust through enforceable accountability. … I would introduce an accountability package focused on conflicts of interest, financial transparency, lobbying disclosures, whistleblower protections, and meaningful enforcement."

Campaign finance: Jones said in our questionnaire: "I am running independently and accepting no campaign donations. I ask people to support charities rather than give money to my campaign."

Economy and cost of living: Jones said in our questionnaire: "I would support legislation expanding incentives for affordable housing construction and rehabilitation, particularly in rural communities. … For food and everyday goods, I support stronger enforcement against price-fixing and anticompetitive conduct."

Health care: Jones said in our questionnaire: "As a Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, I know that access to treatment is deeply personal. … I support expanding Medicare's drug-price negotiation authority, increasing competition from generics and biosimilars, and requiring meaningful transparency from insurers, hospitals, and pharmacy benefit managers."

Immigration: Jones said in our questionnaire: "We need secure borders, workable immigration laws, and consistent due process. Congress should stop treating this as a permanent campaign issue and establish clear rules that can be administered fairly without political influence."

Federal spending: Jones said in our questionnaire: "I would reject indiscriminate cuts that shift larger costs onto families or weaken essential services."

National security and the war with Iran: Asked about U.S. policy toward the war with Iran and national security priorities, Jones said in our questionnaire: "I would oppose an open-ended military campaign or occupation. Any continued combat role should have explicit congressional authorization, narrowly defined objectives, regular public reporting consistent with operational security, and an expiration date requiring a new vote."

Candidate responses were collected through the Surround Sound News candidate questionnaire. All policy positions and biographical claims are attributed to the candidate. The Nov. 3, 2026, general election includes 10 candidates for this seat.