Karl Knox Smithson

Karl Knox Smithson is an Independent candidate running for Governor of Tennessee in the 2026 election [1]. He appears on the official list of candidates for the general election, which will be held on November 3, 2026, following a primary on August 6, 2026 [1]. Smithson is listed as an Independent candidate in the gubernatorial race alongside other major party and independent contenders [18].

Smithson has been identified in media coverage as a "homeless community activist" and a "frequent candidate" [12]. His political history includes a previous run for mayor in his local town in Tennessee [13]. He is the subject of the 2020 documentary film "My Friend Karl," directed by Colin Shuran, which chronicles his experiences with homelessness and advocacy [13]. The film explores themes of mental illness, compassion, and kindness through the perspective of a teenager who befriended Smithson [13].

Smithson's candidacy is part of a crowded field for the open governor's seat, as incumbent Republican Governor Bill Lee is term-limited [7]. While the Republican primary features prominent figures such as U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Representative John Rose, and the Democratic primary includes candidates like Carnita Atwater and Jerri Green, Smithson represents the independent slate [12]. The Tennessee Secretary of State finalized candidate lists for state and federal races following the March 10, 2026 filing deadline, confirming his status as a qualified candidate for the general election [19].

Sources

• [1] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [2] Tennessee elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [3] United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [4] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [5] 2026 Election United States Senate - Tennessee - FEC.gov
• [6] Candidate Information | Williamson County, TN - Official Site
• [7] 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia
• [8] 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee - Wikipedia
• [9] Tennessee Senate Race 2026 | Republican Candidates
• [12] Tennessee 2026 Elections: Candidates for Governor, Senate & House | Politics1
• [13] My Friend Karl (2020)
• [15] Who’s Running for Governor of Tennessee in 2026? Full Candidate Field, Analysis, and What It Means
• [18] Tennessee 2026 General Election
• [19] Tennessee's 2026 candidate lists finalized for state and federal races • Tennessee Lookout
• [20] Tennessee’s 2026 candidate lists finalized for state and federal races | News From The States

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 “Smithson”, 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 (“Smithson”).

Tennessee — statement of interest

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

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