By: Tanisha Taylor, Press Secretary
As a party, we believe in the democratic process and celebrate the opportunity for voters to choose among qualified (Democrat) candidates. To maintain fairness, we do not endorse candidates during the primary process. We let the voters choose.
And as voters ourselves, we know that it is necessary to explore the backgrounds and platforms of those running for political office to identify the candidate that best fits our own ideals. We are not a monolith, and a variety of candidates allows us to seek those we feel will best serve the people.
To help with this process, the MCDP has compiled quick summaries of the state-level candidates running for the official Democratic candidacy for Tennessee Governor and U.S. Senator. Each of these races has five candidates vying for the candidacy on August 6.
2026 Gubernatorial Candidates (in alphabetical order)
1. Dr. Carnita Atwater
Background: Dr. Atwater, of Memphis, was born in Clarksdale, Miss., and holds multiple degrees, including from APSU. She earned her doctorate in Public Health Administration and has worked as an educator, counselor, college administrator, and community organizer. She is no stranger to running for this position, having previously sought the governorship in 2022.
Platform focus:
- Affordability
- Equity in state government
- Housing
- Healthcare/ Maternity care
- Rural Communities
- Universal Pre-K
- Undoing Privatization
- Child poverty/food insecurity
- Farmers
- Veterans
- Public Education
- Environment
Standout: In 2017, Dr. Atwater sued her city’s government for abuse and neglect towards its own citizens. She has received awards from Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
For more: Atwater Campaign; Ballotpedia; Ontheissues
2.Tim Cyr
Background: Cyr, pronounced “Sear,” was born in Illinois and currently resides in Gallatin, TN, where he owns a small farm. Cyr served in the U.S. Army.
Platform focus:
- Improving/expanding rural roads
- Expand broadband
- Medicaid expansion
- Farmer support
- Feeding kids
- Environment
- Funding public schools
- Paying teachers more
- Paid family leave
- Affordable childcare
- Restoring women’s rights
- Veteran’s care
- Health care/Mental health care
Standout: Cyr is an avid hunter and supports the 2nd amendment, desiring more education and safety awareness. He also shares that while he is Christian, he is not a typical church-goer, preferring daily Bible studies with his wife. He also swears he would not seek a second term if chosen as governor.
For more: Cyr Campaign
3. Jerri Green
Background: Councilwoman Green is a member of the Memphis City Council (for District 2), earned her undergrad degree from UT-Knoxville, followed by a law degree from Georgetown University.
Platform/Issues:
- Paid family leave
- Living wages/working families
- Affordable child care
- Public schools
- Medicaid expansion
- Women’s Rights/ Healthcare
- Common sense gun laws
- Rural communities
- Farmers
- Veterans
- Environment/Climate
- AI
Standout: Green has plans for her very first day in office on her campaign website, with strategies to address ICE, housing, childcare, reproductive freedom, and medical debt. She has lived in three of the largest cities in Tennessee: Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.
For more: Green campaign
4. Adam “Ditch” Kurtz
Background: Ditch is a musician who lives in Nashville. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Rochester. He is originally from Boston, but has built his musical career in Music City for more than a decade.
Platform/Issues:
- Affordability
- Taxes/Min. Wage
- Healthcare
- Labor Rights
- Education
- Childcare
- Universal breakfast/lunch
- Reproductive rights
- Public schools
Standout: Ditch prides himself on being the outsider who can fight “for the people.” His campaign page features his dog, Zebulon.
For more: Kurtz campaign
5. Kevin McCants
Background: McCants holds degrees from the University of Alabama and UT-Chattanooga, where he earned his Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. He has worked as a corporate trainer and production supervisor. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of an online ministry alongside his wife.
Platform/Issues:
- Healthcare (shift from employer-led to consumers)
- Economic restructuring to increase wealth for younger generations
- AI & its impact on workforce
- Systemic changes
Standout: He has led leadership trainings internationally. He is running for both governor and senator positions in this election cycle.
For more: McCants campaign
Senatorial Candidates (in alphabetical order)
1. Marquita Bradshaw
Background: Bradshaw, hails from Memphis and is a graduate of the University of Memphis. She is a long-time activist fighting for environmental justice and human rights. She is involved with numerous organizations, including Sowing Justice, where she serves as the Executive Director (link below). She ran for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2022.
Platform/Issues:
- Environmental Justice
- Healthcare for all
- Public Education
- Free/Fair Elections
- Immigration/DAC
- Universal Background Checks
- Living Wage
- Criminal Justice Reform/Community Policing/Restorative Justice
Standout: Marquita sits on the boards of multiple activism/advocacy organizations and has received awards for her humanitarian work, including the Harriet Tubman Living Legacy Award.
For more: Bradshaw campaign; Sowing Justice
2. Maria Brewer
Background: Brewer, a graduate of Northwestern University, has a background as an organizer and activist.
Platform/Issues:
- Ending Corruption
- Affordable Healthcare
- Lower costs/taxes
- Raise Minimum Wage
- Competitive teacher pay
- Investment in Early Childhood Education
Standout: She recently served as the Director of Party Affairs for the TNDP.
For more: Brewer Campaign
3. Kevin McCants (see information for Gubernatorial candidates)
4. Civil Miller-Watkins
Background: Miller-Watkins holds multiple degrees from UT-Martin, including a Master’s in Education. She has worked as a public educator and district administrator in Fayette County, where she served as the Vice Chair of the Board of Education. She was born in Bolivar, TN, and is the proud mother of eight. She ran for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2022.
Platform/Issues:
- Education
- Healthcare/Women’s Care
- Gun Laws
- Women’s Rights
- Economy/Living Wage
- Voting Rights
- Immigration
- Rural Communities/Hospitals
Standout: Miller-Watkins has identified her focus as “kitchen-table issues.” She is a supporter of border protection, with an emphasis on humanity.
For more: Miller-Watkins Campaign
5. Diana Onyejiaka
Background: Onyejiaka holds two degrees from TSU, including a Master’s in Public Administration. She has a law degree from the Southern University Law Center. She is located in Nashville and serves as a business owner, consultant, and adjunct professor.
Platform/Issues:
- Expand/Improve Healthcare
- Maternity/Postpartum Care
- ACA Tax Credit Restoration
- Caregiver Incentives
Standout: Onyejiaka is the founder of the Youth-Trainee Culture & Sustainability Project.
For more: Ontheissues; Knox News; No website found for Onyejiaka Campaign
