Misam
Abidi
Independent candidate Misam Abidi, a Nolensville entrepreneur, is running for Governor of Tennessee in 2026.
- sources
- 17
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Misam Abidi is an independent candidate running for Governor of Tennessee in the November 3, 2026 general election. He resides in Nolensville, Tennessee, and his campaign describes him as having moved to the United States from Lahore, Pakistan in 1997. His campaign and voter-guide sources characterize him as a businessman and entrepreneur with experience across financial services, banking, credit consulting, technology, cryptocurrency, renewable energy, business development, and transportation.2814
Abidi has no prior elected office and his campaign has described him as "not a career politician."14 His education is listed as "Some College" on VOTE411, though other candidate profiles note education details are unavailable.42 He is running under the slogan "People Over Institutions."7
Abidi qualified for the 2026 Tennessee governor's race as one of multiple independent candidates on the ballot.1210 His campaign is based out of Nolensville, Tennessee, and he maintains an active online presence through his official website and social media accounts.79
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- Governor, Tennessee
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- misamforgovernor.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 7filingAbidi's Q3 2026 campaign-finance filing shows $0 receipts and $41.61 cash on hand
Abidi filed his Q3 2026 campaign finance report with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance on October 7. The filing recorded $0 in Q3 receipts, $157 in itemized spending overall, cumulative reported receipts of $55, and $41.61 cash on hand at the end of Q3.
Misam Abidi — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance | Who Funds Tennessee · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28controversyWSMV reports Abidi's June grand jury indictment on alleged crypto Ponzi scheme
WSMV published a candidate overview article on September 28 (updated October 10) that reported Abidi had been indicted by a grand jury in June on 11 counts related to an alleged crypto Ponzi scheme involving Star Credit Holdings. The report notes these are allegations, not findings of guilt.
Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 25newsAbidi weighs in on AI, data centers, and energy demands
In a response to WTVC/NewsChannel 9, Abidi said: 'I strongly support Tennessee becoming a leader in artificial intelligence—but leadership means shaping the future, not simply surrendering our resources to it.' His comments were included alongside responses from several other governor candidates.
Tennessee Governor candidates weigh in on data centers, AI ... · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 23filingTennessee Bar Association confirms Abidi on November 3 ballot as independent
The Tennessee Bar Association reported, citing the Tennessee Secretary of State, that Abidi was among the 15 independent candidates on the November 3 general election ballot for governor. No Abidi-specific filing date was provided.
15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor · Sep 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 22newsAbidi answers Nashville Banner independent-candidate questionnaire
Abidi was one of three independent candidates to answer the Nashville Banner's questionnaire. He expressed support for a phased path to a $15 minimum wage, eliminating the state sales tax on basic groceries, pausing executions pending a review of the death penalty, and investing in nuclear power with fiscal accountability. He also said large new energy users should help pay for required infrastructure.
Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 21newsAbidi publishes policy positions on abortion and health care via OnTheIssues
In email answers published by OnTheIssues, Abidi described himself as 'pro-life' while supporting exceptions for serious medical emergencies, rape, incest, and non-viable pregnancies. On health care, he supported expanding access and proposed a reinsurance program to reduce insurers' exposure to exceptionally costly claims.
2026 Tennessee Governor's race - on Abortion - OnTheIssues.org · Sep 26, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 1controversyAbidi indicted on 11 counts related to alleged crypto Ponzi scheme
A grand jury indicted Misam Abidi in June on 11 counts related to an alleged crypto Ponzi scheme involving Star Credit Holdings. The indictment describes allegations, not a finding of guilt. The indictment was first reported by WSMV on September 28, 2026.
Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Sources 17
- [1] Misam Abidi — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance | Who Funds Tennessee(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [2] misamforgovernor.com(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [3] Misam Abidi - Governor(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [4] Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [5] 2026 Tennessee Governor's race - on Abortion - OnTheIssues.org(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [6] Misam Abidi on Abortion(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [7] Misam Abidi on Crime(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [8] Misam Abidi on Environment(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [9] Misam Abidi on Foreign Policy(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [10] Misam Abidi on Government Reform(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [11] Misam Abidi on Gun Control(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [12] Misam Abidi on Health Care(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [13] Misam Abidi on Immigration(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [14] Misam Abidi on Tax Reform(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [15] Tennessee Governor candidates weigh in on data centers, AI ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [16] 15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
- [17] Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026