{"biography":"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].\n\nVick 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].\n\nVick 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].\n\nVick\u2019s 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].\n\nVick 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].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Robert Vick (Tennessee) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Robert_Vick_(Tennessee))\n[9] [Meet Dr. Robet C. Vick - Dr. Vick for Governor of TENNESSEE](https://www.drvick4tn.com/meet_dr_robert_c)\n[10] [40-Year East Tennessee Educator Dr. Vick Announces Independent Run for Governor | Claiborne Progress](https://claiborneprogress.net/2026/01/27/40-year-east-tennessee-educator-dr-vick-announces-independent-run-for-governor/)\n[11] [2026 STATE ELECTION: White Pine\u2019s Vick campaigns for governor - The Standard Banner](https://www.standardbanner.com/articles/featured-stories/2026-state-election-white-pines-vick-campaigns-for-governor/)\n[12] [Jefferson County Resident Announces Run For Governor | Local News | greenevillesun.com](https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/jefferson-county-resident-announces-run-for-governor/article_43c0a985-f3ba-49d4-8ba7-0a8ed59b5c04.html)","campaigns":[{"contest":"governor","county":"Anderson","county_count":95,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"primary","state":"TN","title":"Tennessee Governor"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Robert C.","fullname":"Robert C. Vick","lastname":"Vick","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"governor","contest_title":"Tennessee Governor","county":"Anderson","county_count":95,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"governor","office_title":"Governor","party":"I","pgr":"primary","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":null,"party":"I","primary":{"contest":"governor","contest_title":"Tennessee Governor","county":"Anderson","county_count":95,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"governor","office_title":"Governor","party":"I","pgr":"primary","state":"TN"},"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"governor","office_title":"Governor","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Robert C. Vick, an Independent candidate and former East Tennessee educator with a doctorate in school leadership, is running for Governor of Tennessee on a \"Rural Readiness\" platform.","terms":[],"token":"8vKUojB6mu"}