Charles
Van Morgan
Independent candidate for Tennessee governor in 2026; former law enforcement officer and transportation business owner
- sources
- 7
- positions
- 8
- endorsements
- 1
Background
Charles Van Morgan is an independent candidate for governor of Tennessee in the November 3, 2026 general election. 123 He was born in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee. 3
Van Morgan's background includes work as a business owner in the transportation sector, associated with Safe Taxi, and prior service as a police officer and Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper. 317 He holds a bachelor's degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College, a master's degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, and a law degree from Nashville School of Law. 3
Van Morgan has sought office previously without success, running for Tennessee governor in 2022 and for Knoxville City Council District 1 in the 2025 primary. 917 The sources reviewed do not show that he has held elected office. 917
He is not the incumbent governor; incumbent Bill Lee is term-limited and not seeking reelection. 3
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- Governor, Tennessee
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Business owner (Safe Taxi)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Sep 28newsWSMV voter guide profiles Van Morgan as Knoxville-based independent with law enforcement background, prior 2022 run
WSMV published a voter guide listing Van Morgan as an independent candidate for Tennessee governor. His profile notes he is a Knoxville resident, ran for governor in 2022, and has a background as a business owner, former police officer, and former Tennessee Highway Patrol deputy. The guide was later updated on October 10, 2026.
Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 23newsTennessee Bar Association confirms Van Morgan among 15 independent candidates on November 3 governor ballot
The Tennessee Bar Association, citing the Tennessee Secretary of State, reported that Charles Van Morgan was one of 15 independent candidates on the November 3, 2026 governor ballot, alongside Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Jerri Green. The article was later updated on October 2, 2026.
15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor · Sep 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 22newsNashville Banner lists Van Morgan among independents on November ballot; he did not submit its questionnaire
The Nashville Banner reported on independent Tennessee governor candidates and noted that only Lauren Pinkston, Misam Abidi, and Robert C. Vick submitted its questionnaire. Van Morgan was listed among independents expected on the November 3 ballot but provided no responses and received no individual poll result in the article.
Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 28filingVan Morgan's Pre-Primary 2026 campaign-finance filing shows $0 receipts, $0 spending, $55 cash on hand
The campaign-finance page for Charles Van Morgan on Who Funds Tennessee Races lists his latest filing as Pre-Primary 2026, dated July 28, 2026. It reports $0 in receipts, $0 in expenditures, and $55 in ending cash, with no itemized contributions or expenditures on record, per the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Charles Van Morgan — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Larry Bledsoe otherListed under 'Endorsements' on iVoterGuide, labeled 'REPORTED BY CANDIDATE.' No endorsement date or independent confirmation provided. Civoren's candidate page states Morgan 'has not added endorsements yet,' conflicting with this entry. ivoterguide.com
Sources 7
- [1] Charles Van Morgan — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [2] Charles Van Morgan(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
- [3] Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [4] 15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
- [5] Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
- [6] 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Questionnaire: Charles Van ...(opens in a new tab) May 9, 2026
- [7] Meet the Candidates: Charles Van Morgan for Tennessee governor(opens in a new tab) Jan 19, 2026