Dean
Brewer
Independent candidate for Tennessee Governor in 2026; no prior political office; based in Knoxville
- sources
- 7
- positions
- 5
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Dean Brewer is an Independent candidate running for Governor of Tennessee in the November 3, 2026 election. He is from Lenoir City and currently lives in Knoxville, according to WSMV's September 2026 election guide. 2
Brewer has no prior elected office or political background; WSMV describes him as seeking his first public office. 2 Before entering the race, he is reported to have run a program for homeless veterans providing counseling, housing, and skilled-trade training, though no formal job title is identified in available sources. 1
Tennessee's incumbent governor, Bill Lee, is term-limited and not on the 2026 ballot, making Brewer one of several candidates vying for an open seat. 2 His education and fuller employment history are not established in the sources reviewed. 12
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- Governor, Tennessee
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 11newsBrewer remains listed as independent governor candidate ahead of Nov. 3 election
As of October 11, 2026, Dean Brewer continued to be listed among the independent candidates for Tennessee governor on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot. No poll results, endorsements, controversies, or fundraising milestones specific to Brewer were identified in available sources.
Tennessee 2026 Midterm Election Results · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsChattanooga News 12 publishes governor's race candidate interview series
WDEF/News 12 in Chattanooga reported it had interviewed candidates in the Tennessee governor's race and posted full interviews. The available sourcing does not confirm whether Brewer participated or what he said.
2026 Tennessee Governor Race Coverage · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28newsWSMV profiles Brewer as first-time candidate from Knoxville with no political background
WSMV described Brewer as an independent candidate, a Knoxville resident originally from Lenoir City, and a first-time candidate seeking public office with no prior political background. No additional policy announcements were established in the available material.
Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 23filingDean Brewer confirmed on Tennessee's Nov. 3 governor ballot as independent
The Tennessee Bar Association, citing the Tennessee Secretary of State, reported that Dean Brewer of Knoxville would appear on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot as an independent candidate for governor, alongside Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Jerri Green.
15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor · Sep 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 22newsNashville Banner questionnaire: Brewer did not submit answers
The Nashville Banner sent a policy questionnaire to all independent gubernatorial candidates. Only three independents—Lauren Pinkston, Misam Abidi, and Robert C. Vick—submitted responses. Dean Brewer was not among those who replied.
Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Sources 7
- [1] Tennessee 2026 Midterm Election Results(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] Tennessee Governor 2026 - Voter Guide(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [3] 2026 Tennessee Governor Race Coverage(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [4] Dean Brewer: 2026 TN Governor Race(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
- [5] Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [6] 15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
- [7] Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026