Yoshi D. Matthews is running as an Independent for U.S. Senate in Tennessee's Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Matthews is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Matthews said on her campaign website that elections should focus on ideas, results and a clear vision for the state's future, not party labels or personal background. She said Tennesseans deserve leadership reflecting the state's values of fiscal responsibility, public safety, strong local communities and limited government.

Candidate information

  • Name: Yoshi D. Matthews
  • Party: Independent
  • Office sought: U.S. Senate, Tennessee
  • Election date: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
  • Education: Bachelor of science in business in accounting, University of Phoenix; master of science in accountancy, University of Phoenix (expected fall 2026), according to her campaign website
  • Campaign address: 919 Conference Drive, Suite 4-108, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072, according to her FEC filing (Committee ID: C00936500)

Matthews said on her campaign website that she is eligible to sit for the certified public accountant exam and plans to take it in 2026.

Experience and public service

Matthews is listed as founder of FTP Nonprofit, according to BallotReady profile data.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Matthews' campaign website and her BallotReady responses. Each reflects the candidate's own stated views.

Economy and cost of living: Matthews said she supports lowering the cost of living, supporting working families and small businesses, and promoting responsible economic growth in Tennessee. She also said policymakers must begin preparing for technological changes to the workforce. Matthews said one proposal worth exploring is universal basic income, which she described as a policy concept to ensure every American shares in the economic growth made possible by new technologies and productivity gains.

Taxes and property tax relief: Matthews said she supports targeted property tax relief policies for seniors. She described her approach as balancing responsible fiscal policy with protections for long-time homeowners so they can remain in their homes with stability and dignity.

Border security and immigration: Matthews said she supports securing the border, enforcing immigration laws and supporting a functional legal immigration system.

Education: Matthews said she supports strengthening education, expanding workforce opportunities and ensuring Tennessee students are prepared for successful careers.

Reparations: Matthews said discussions surrounding historic injustice should be approached carefully and within the framework of the law. She said her proposal focuses on examining a narrowly defined, Tennessee-based policy approach that she described as fair, transparent and limited in scope.

Other candidates in the race

The ballot includes Andrew Gerena (Independent), Bill Hagerty (Republican), Catherine Barcel Whitson (Independent), David Sutman Jr. (Independent), James William Macon III (Independent), Jeremy Dean Hearn (Independent), Marquita Bradshaw (Democratic), Robert Jones (Independent) and Tharon Chandler (Independent), according to BallotReady.

This profile is based on Matthews' campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire responses.