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Did you know it only takes 25 signatures to get one’s name on the November ballot to run for governor in Tennessee?
In Aug. 2026 Tennessee held a gubernatorial primary. The Democratic candidate, Jerri Green, received 243,413 votes, about 69% of all Democratic votes. The Republican candidate, Marsha Blackburn, received 311,065 votes about 44% of all Republican votes.
Sadly, the list of candidates on the ballot in November's general election will include not only Jerri Green and Marsha Blackburn, but 13 other candidates who got
on the ballot by obtaining signatures from only 25 Tennessee voters.
Somehow this does not seem fair. These 13 individuals either did not think they could compete in a primary election as a member of either of the two major political parties, or perhaps had ulterior motives. It has been suggested these 13 might receive about 10% of all votes cast.
Lately, I've been seeing Facebook ads and media discussing one of these individuals, David Hatley. Some of his remarks appear to be hitting home with some voters. However, a look at his background may not be as impressive. In his early 20s, he wrote bad checks and was arrested, prosecuted and convicted, resulting in a felon classification and loss of his voting privilege. After 30-plus years, Hatley recently applied to have his voting rights restored, after which he decided to run for governor as an Independent.
Hatley qualified to be on the November 2026 ballot in the general election with only 25 signatures, but he has no experience in any elected office. He says he can’t be bought, but he is willing to spend $20 million dollars to buy/win his election.
No matter what he or any of the “25-signature candidates” might say in their campaign ads, chances are that none of them will be elected governor. A vote for any one of them will simply pull a vote from Green or Blackburn. Perhaps their intent is to pull votes from one of the legitimate candidates? I don’t know.
However, a candidate who got on the ballot with only 25 signatures and is making unsupported and speculative promises with their 15 minutes of fame is not a solid nor safe vote.
Charlotte Cooper, Nashville 37215
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: The curious gubernatorial campaign of David Hatley | Letters
