Wendell Jackson is running as an independent for Tennessee governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Jackson describes his campaign as "a nonpartisan, constitution advocating/upholding, no money campaign," according to his campaign website.

Candidate information

  • Name: Wendell Jackson
  • Party: Independent
  • Race: Tennessee Governor, 2026 general election

On the issues

Jackson's policy positions are drawn from his campaign website and his BallotReady candidate response. All statements below reflect the candidate's own claims.

Governance — the T.A.L.K. platform

Jackson promotes what he calls the T.A.L.K. platform: Transparency, Accountability, Love and Kindness. He said voters "will have access to the inner workings of the Governor's office and policies ensuring improved quality of life." Under accountability, Jackson said citizens would be able to visit the state Capitol to ask about unaddressed issues. Under love, he said "all humans are valid, viable, wonderful individuals." Under kindness, he said "the economic slavery system is the enemy, not each other."

Healthcare

Jackson said healthcare, both mental and physical, would be a priority. He called for "a system that benefits all" and described his approach as "people over profit."

Housing

Jackson said secure housing for all Tennesseans would be a priority. He linked housing policy to healthcare, saying the goal is to give people "the opportunity to thrive, not barely survive."

Education

Jackson advocates for what he calls a "Curriculum of Common Knowledge," which he described as STEAM-rich and logic-based. He said the curriculum would help people achieve "liberty and balance" and work toward world peace.

Workforce and economy

Jackson proposed developing workforce training programs and creating incentives for businesses that hire and train local workers. He also said he would foster community partnerships to address unemployment and underemployment. On the economy, Jackson said on BallotReady that he is committed to "fostering responsible economic growth and stability" and supporting local businesses.

Questionnaire disclosure

Jackson declined to submit answers to the Nashville Banner's policy questionnaire, instead referring voters to his YouTube channel, the Banner reported.

Other candidates certified for the race include Marsha Blackburn (Republican), Jerri Green (Democratic), Charles Van Morgan (Independent), Dave Seeman (Independent), David Hatley (Independent), Dean Brewer (Independent), Eddie Lee Murphy (Independent), Karl Knox Smithson (Independent), L. Webb Taylor (Independent), Lauren Pinkston (Independent), Misam Abidi (Independent), Ray Brown (Independent), Robert C. Vick (Independent) and Victor L. Scoggin (Independent).