Adam Kurtz

Adam Kurtz, also known by his nickname "Ditch," is a Democratic candidate running for Governor of Tennessee in the 2026 election [1]. He resides in Nashville and works professionally as a musician, specifically playing pedal steel guitar and six-string guitar in country bands that perform domestically and internationally [8]. Kurtz is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, where he competes against Carnita Atwater, Tim Cyr, Jerri Green, and Kevin Lee McCants [4]. The winner of this primary will face the Republican nominee in the general election on November 3, 2026 [2].

Kurtz’s campaign platform centers on economic relief and social inclusivity. His stated policy goals include lowering costs for residents through measures such as affordable healthcare, free pre-kindergarten childcare, and the elimination of the grocery tax [20]. He also advocates for raising the minimum wage and supporting workers' rights [20]. On social issues, Kurtz emphasizes protecting the LGBTQ community, respecting immigrant neighbors, and investing heavily in public schools [20].

A central tenet of his campaign is a commitment to rejecting corporate money, relying instead on small donors to fund his grassroots effort [20]. He characterizes his candidacy as an alternative to "corrupt and wealthy businessmen or career politicians," aiming to establish a government with "humanity and compassion" [20]. Kurtz has not completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for this race [1].

Sources

• [1] Adam Kurtz (Tennessee) - Ballotpedia
• [2] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [3] Tennessee state executive official elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [4] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 (August 6 Democratic primary) - Ballotpedia
• [5] Manasa Reddy - Ballotpedia
• [6] Democratic Party primaries in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [7] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [8] 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia
• [18] Adam "Ditch" Kurtz (@adamditchkurtzforgovernor)
• [20] Adam "Ditch" Kurtz for Governor

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

• State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) — Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Kurtz”, and submit.
• Shelby County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — Shelby County Public Campaign Finance Portal. Select the election year and search by candidate name (“Kurtz”).

Tennessee — statement of interest

• Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Kurtz”and, if needed, select the applicable position.

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