Local representative Monty Fritts has officially entered Tennessee’s 2026 gubernatorial race as of January 9, joining Congressman John Rose and Senator Marsha Blackburn in the Republican primary.
Representing District 32 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, Fritts informally announced his intent to run back in September, shortly after the state voted to approve an annual budget just shy of $60 billion. Citing an 80% increase in annual budgets over the past six years, he voted against the proposal, before spring-boarding that position into a fully fledged grassroots campaign.
“I plan to lead Tennessee in a manner that leaves more money in citizen pockets and local coffers,” Fritts said in correspondence with the News-Herald. “I plan to recalibrate the government in Nashville to understand they work for the people of Tennessee and under the authority of the Constitution.”
Fritts, whose current district encompasses portions of Loudon and Roane counties, only assumed his current position in 2023, after defeating Democrat Jan Hahn in the state’s general election and succeeding Kent Calfee, who had previously held the seat for nearly a decade.
In an interview with the News-Herald back in September, Fritts gave a rough outline of some of the key issues he hopes to overhaul should be elected in November. Topics like climate control, lawful occupation, further protection regarding the 2nd Amendment, more armor against litigation for firearm manufacturers, and even a possible repeal or reconsideration of the grocery sales tax were all items jotted down in his notebook five months ago. Consistently referring to his tagline of “Liberty & Less Government,” Fritts is looking for a more hands-off approach to tax dollars, spending, and how he thinks both of those things have had negative effects on the median voter in recent memory.
“‘Team Liberty’ thinks there is a great thirst for liberty in Tennessee and a great distaste for state budget growth and Nashville overreach,” Fritts explains.
He continued, stating “We think Tennessee needs a working class, Tennessee first Governor. I think I am that man. As a constitutionalist and combat veteran I intend to lead a move to vigorously embrace our liberty and relentlessly defend the Constitution.”
Now 62, the Kingston native received a bachelor’s degree in business and chemistry as well as a master’s in theological studies from Liberty University before heading to The University of Tennessee in Knoxville for an MBA. He was in nuclear manufacturing prior to his current stint in public office. His most notable actions in State Legislature include supporting a bill to arm schoolteachers in the wake of the 2023 Covenant School shooting, as well as sponsoring a bill that would ban climate engineering.
Several Democratic and independent candidates have also thrown their hat in the ring, including Memphis City Council Member Jerri Green, former Memphis mayoral candidate Carnita Atwater, Adam “Ditch” Kurtz and Gallatin resident Tim Cyr. Current Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has reached his term limit.
Primary elections for Tennessee’s gubernatorial race are slated for August 6, 2026, with general election day on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
