Robert
C. Vick
Independent candidate for Tennessee Governor (2026); career educator and Ed.D. with 40 years in East Tennessee public schools
- sources
- 9
- positions
- 6
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Robert C. Vick is an independent candidate for Governor of Tennessee in the November 3, 2026 election. He was born and raised in White Pine, Tennessee, and has called Jefferson County home. 9
Vick has spent approximately 40 years in public education in East Tennessee, working as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and athletic director. As of the campaign, he serves as assistant principal and athletic director at Cocke County High School. [9, 14, 18]
He holds a B.S. in Math and Science Education from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville (1986), an M.Ed. and Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University (1996, 1997), and an Ed.D. in School Leadership from East Tennessee State University (2004). 9
Vick has no prior elected office; his campaign describes him as a career educator rather than a politician. He is one of 15 independent candidates on the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial ballot. [9, 15, 16]
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- Governor, Tennessee
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Cocke County High School
- Website
- drvick4tn.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 1filingQ3 2026 campaign finance filing shows Vick raised $3,800 with $1,006.03 cash on hand
A filing with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance for Q3 2026 reported $3,800 in receipts for the quarter and $1,006.03 cash remaining. Cumulative totals through Q3 show $16,125 in total receipts and $15,119 spent.
Robert C. Vick | Who Funds Tennessee · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 30newsVick issues statement opposing top-down mandates on license-plate readers and AI in policing
In an emailed campaign statement, Vick said there was 'no one-size-fits-all answer from top-down government' on automated license-plate readers and AI in public safety, arguing that local leaders, law enforcement, and residents should decide whether and how to use such systems.
Robert Vick · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28newsWSMV candidate guide lists Vick among independent candidates for Tennessee governor
A WSMV election guide covering Tennessee's 2026 candidates for governor and Congress listed Robert C. Vick among the independent candidates on the November 3 ballot.
Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 25newsVick weighs in on data centers, AI, and energy demands in FOX 17 questionnaire
In a FOX 17 questionnaire, Vick said data-center siting decisions should be made locally, called for guardrails on AI to protect children, privacy, and employees, supported TVA's higher rates for data centers, and listed transparency, binding exit fees, water audits, and reduced tax breaks as cost-bearing measures.
Tennessee Governor candidates weigh in on data centers, AI and energy demands · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 23filingTennessee Bar Association reports 15 independents, including Vick, on November 3 governor ballot
Citing the Tennessee Secretary of State, the Tennessee Bar Association reported that 15 independent candidates—including Robert C. Vick—had qualified for the November 3, 2026 gubernatorial ballot.
15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor · Sep 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 22newsVick responds to Nashville Banner policy questionnaire for independent gubernatorial candidates
Vick answered a Nashville Banner questionnaire for independent candidates. He opposed school vouchers, supported medical cannabis by prescription but not recreational use, said grocery sales taxes were unfair to lower-income people while stopping short of full elimination, and described Tennessee's abortion ban as 'too restrictive' while saying life begins at conception.
Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Sources 9
- [1] Robert C. Vick | Who Funds Tennessee(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] Robert Vick(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [3] Election 2026 is quickly approaching. Here's everything you need to ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [4] 2026 Tennessee Governor's race(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [5] Robert Vick on Foreign Policy(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [6] Robert Vick on Government Reform(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [7] Tennessee Governor candidates weigh in on data centers, AI and energy demands(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [8] 15 Independent Candidates Running for Tennessee Governor(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
- [9] Some Tennessee independent candidates share their visions(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026