Robert
Jones
Independent U.S. Senate challenger in Tennessee's 2026 general election; small-business owner, nonprofit executive, and animal rescuer from Jonesborough, TN
- sources
- 7
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Robert Jones is an Independent candidate running for the U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee in the November 3, 2026 general election, challenging incumbent Senator Bill Hagerty. The Federal Election Commission classifies him as a challenger. He is from Jonesborough, Tennessee. 245
Public biographies describe Jones as a small-business owner, nonprofit executive director, author, researcher, developer, and animal rescuer. The available sources do not establish the names of his current businesses or nonprofit roles, and no prior elected office has been identified in his campaign biography or other reviewed sources. 216
Jones holds a doctorate in Classics from the University of Newcastle, an MBA from East Tennessee State University, a master's degree in Military History from Austin Peay State University, and a BBA in Corporate Finance. 216
His campaign website, robertfortn.com, outlines his policy positions and includes a "Public Service Pledge" for current and past elected officials, though the site does not indicate that Jones himself has previously held elected office. 611
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- U.S. Senate, Tennessee
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- robertfortn.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 5newsRobert Jones confirmed as independent candidate on Tennessee U.S. Senate general-election ballot
An October 5 report listing Tennessee U.S. Senate candidates included Jones as an independent ahead of the November 3 general election.
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 21newsRobert Jones publishes policy positions on civil rights and marijuana in OnTheIssues email interview
In an email interview with OnTheIssues, Jones stated he supports programs to address barriers for historically marginalized communities but opposes hiring decisions based on those characteristics. On marijuana, he called for regulation, prevention, and treatment grounded in 'evidence and education rather than fear or stigma.'
Robert Jones on Civil Rights · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 15filingRobert Jones files Q2 2026 FEC report showing $0 raised and $2,381 spent
Jones's Q2 2026 FEC filing, filed July 15, reported $0 raised, $2,381 spent, and approximately $680 cash on hand at end of period, with a beginning balance of about $3,061. His campaign website states he will not accept donations.
Robert Jones — 2026 U.S. Senator - Who Funds Tennessee · Sep 17, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $0
- Spent
- $2,381
- Cash on hand
- $680
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S6TN00372(opens in a new tab)
Sources 7
- [1] ISSUES(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [2] 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
- [3] Robert Jones on Abortion(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [4] Robert Jones on Civil Rights(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [5] Robert Jones on Health Care(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [6] Robert Jones on Tax Reform(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [7] Robert Jones — 2026 U.S. Senator - Who Funds Tennessee(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026