Karl
Knox Smithson
Independent candidate for Tennessee governor in 2026; based in McMinnville, TN
- sources
- 5
- positions
- 0
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Karl Knox Smithson is an independent candidate for governor of Tennessee in the November 3, 2026 general election. He is listed on the certified candidate roster published by the Tennessee Secretary of State and is among the fifteen independent candidates identified by the Tennessee Bar Association as appearing on the November ballot. 12315
Smiths is reported to reside in McMinnville, Tennessee. Tennessee Firefly notes that the political-tracking site Politics1 lists his occupation as "homeless community activist," but states it could not independently corroborate that description. 315
No prior elected office has been established for Smithson, and neither CivicSeat nor other reviewed sources have a record of previous public service. No official campaign website or social media accounts have been located; both WSMV and Tennessee Firefly report that no campaign contact information could be found. 235
Smiths on is not the incumbent; the current governor, Bill Lee, is term-limited and ineligible to seek re-election in 2026. 5
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.
No sourced positions are on file yet.
Timeline
- Oct 5newsTennessee voter-registration deadline passes; Smithson listed among gubernatorial candidates
Tennessee's voter-registration deadline for the November 3 election passed on October 5. WSMV's election guide listed Smithson among the gubernatorial candidates, with early voting scheduled for October 14–29.
It’s the last day to register to vote in Tennessee for the 2026 Midterm Elections. Here’s what you need to know · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28newsWSMV profiles Smithson as McMinnville 'homeless community activist' with no campaign web presence found
WSMV described Smithson as being from McMinnville and as a 'homeless community activist,' and noted it found no link to his campaign or contact information. He was listed among the independents facing the major-party nominees.
Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 23newsTennessee Bar Association reports 15 independents, including Smithson, on November 3 governor ballot
The Tennessee Bar Association reported, citing the Tennessee Secretary of State, that 15 independent candidates including Karl Knox Smithson qualified for the November 3, 2026 gubernatorial ballot.
15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor · Sep 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 22newsSmithson listed among independent governor candidates in Nashville Banner questionnaire but did not respond
The Nashville Banner sent policy questions to independent gubernatorial candidates. Smithson appeared on the list of ballot candidates but did not submit a response included in the article. No reason for the nonresponse was given.
Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 20filingSmithson files Q2 2026 campaign finance report showing $0 raised and spent
The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance recorded a Q2 2026 filing (labeled 'Q2 2026 Late') for Karl Knox Smithson. It reported no campaign contributions or expenditures, no itemized donors, and a $0 beginning and ending balance.
Karl Knox Smithson — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Sources 5
- [1] It’s the last day to register to vote in Tennessee for the 2026 Midterm Elections. Here’s what you need to know(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [2] Karl Knox Smithson — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 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