Adam "Ditch" Kurtz

Adam "Ditch" Kurtz is a Democratic candidate running for Governor of Tennessee in the August 6, 2026 primary ¹. He resides in Nashville and identifies professionally as a musician ¹⁴. Kurtz holds a degree in political science ⁷. Originally from the Boston area, he has lived in Nashville for over a decade, where he has established himself in the country and Americana music scenes ⁷, ¹⁶. He plays pedal steel and six-string guitar, performing with artists such as Joshua Ray Walker, Sunny Sweeney, Silverada, JP Harris, Chris Shiflett, American Aquarium, and Sarah Shook, as well as his own Buck Owens tribute band, Buck N Stuff ⁷, ¹⁴, ¹⁶. He also maintains a public profile as the host of "The Wingdom Review," a podcast focused on hot wings ⁹.

Kurtz announced his candidacy on May 15, 2025, at The 5 Spot in East Nashville ¹⁹. His campaign platform centers on economic relief and social services, including lowering costs through affordable healthcare, free pre-K childcare, eliminating the grocery tax, and raising the minimum wage ¹⁴. He advocates for protecting the LGBTQ community, respecting immigrant neighbors, and investing in public schools ¹⁴. Kurtz describes his approach as "grassroots," stating he will not accept corporate money and relies on small donors ¹⁴, ¹⁶. He characterizes himself as an outsider to the political establishment, coining the phrase "I'm a people" to emphasize that government should serve everyday Tennesseans rather than insiders ¹⁴, ¹⁶.

Kurtz is one of five candidates in the Democratic primary, which also includes Carnita Atwater, Tim Cyr, Jerri Green, and Kevin Lee McCants ¹. He has not completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey ¹. His campaign utilizes social media and digital platforms, including a Substack newsletter, to communicate with voters ²⁶.

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