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Robert C. Vick
Office history
Robert C. Vick is an Independent candidate running for Governor of Tennessee in the 2026 election, with the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 1. He formally announced his candidacy on January 25, 2026, while serving as a guest speaker at First Methodist Church in White Pine 10. Vick describes himself as a "Christian Independent" who offers a "non-partisan, faith-guided alternative to the traditional political establishment" 10.
Vick was born and raised in White Pine, Tennessee, and is a long-time resident of Jefferson County 9. He holds a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in School Leadership from East Tennessee State University (2004), an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Administration & Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University (1997 and 1996, respectively), and a Bachelor of Science in Math & Science Education from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (1986) 9.
Vick has spent four decades working in East Tennessee public schools across Hamblen, Jefferson, and Cocke counties 10. His career roles include math teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and athletic director 11. He served as a principal at Dandridge Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, and Parrottsville Elementary School before moving to his current role as assistant principal and athletic director at Cocke County High School four years prior to his 2026 announcement 11.
Vick’s campaign platform, titled "Dr. Vick: Independent Mind. Tennessee Heart. New Results," centers on a "Rural Readiness" initiative 10. This platform focuses on three main areas: realigning high school curricula with local industry needs to create pathways to high-paying jobs; expanding healthcare access in rural areas and addressing the opioid crisis; and applying debt-free principles learned from personal finance expert Dave Ramsey to state governance, prioritizing education, infrastructure, and safety 10. Vick states that his faith serves as a foundation for service and integrity but promises not to push his Christian faith onto the public 9.
Vick is married to Stephanie Bishop Vick. They have five grown children and six grandchildren 9. His personal interests include Douglas Lake crappie fishing, golf, University of Tennessee sports, and morning Bible reading 10.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
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State offices (Governor, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee, statewide judiciary) —
Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Vick”, and submit.
US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the FEC — see the federal section below. - County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“Vick”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Vick”and, if needed, select the applicable position.