TN state Rep. Monty Fritts announces candidacy for governor

TN state Rep. Monty Fritts announces candidacy for governor

Tennessee State Representative Monty Fritts has formally announced his candidacy for the governorship of Tennessee. The announcement, made on September 5, 2025, positions Fritts as a potential contender in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election. Fritts, a Republican from Kingston, Tennessee, is known for his conservative stance and his commitment to reducing the size of state government.

Fritts, who has served in the Tennessee General Assembly since 2014, is running on a platform of "Liberty & Less Government." He has been vocal about his belief that government has grown beyond its scope and that voters are seeking candidates who align more closely with their values. Fritts' announcement comes at a time when the governor's race has not yet generated significant excitement among voters, who have expressed difficulty finding a candidate who truly resonates with their views [1].

Fritts' platform includes a focus on reducing government intervention and promoting a creationist worldview. He has introduced a resolution to declare July a statewide month of prayer and fasting and opposes geoengineering on both constitutional and moral grounds. Additionally, Fritts has criticized what he sees as excessive government spending and inflation issues in Washington, D.C., which he believes impact Tennessee's budget and future generations [2].

Fritts is not the only Republican seeking the governorship. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Rep. John Rose have also announced their candidacies. The primary election is scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election following on November 3, 2026. This will be a competitive race, with four Democratic candidates and two independents also running for the position [3].

The 2024 presidential election results in Tennessee provide context for the upcoming gubernatorial race. Former President Donald Trump won Tennessee with 64.2% of the vote, while former Vice President Joe Biden received 34.5%. This indicates a strong Republican leaning in the state, which could benefit Fritts' campaign [2].

As the race for governor unfolds, investors and financial professionals will be watching to see how Fritts' platform and policies could impact Tennessee's economy and financial landscape. His focus on reducing government spending and intervention could potentially lead to lower taxes and less regulation, which could be attractive to businesses and investors. However, his stance on social issues and his opposition to certain government programs may also attract criticism and opposition.

References:
[1] https://www.facebook.com/tennesseestands/posts/breaking-state-representative-monty-fritts-has-formally-announced-that-he-is-run/1200994065395837/
[2] https://www.politico.com/2024-election/results/tennessee/
[3] https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/sep/05/tennessee-rep-monty-fritts-announces-run-for/