{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nKarl Knox Smithson is a candidate in the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election [1]. The general election for this office is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, alongside other state and local elections [1]. Primary elections for the race are set for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nThe filing deadline for the gubernatorial race has passed, establishing a candidate field that reflects the current political landscape of Tennessee [2]. The incumbent governor, Bill Lee, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term [1]. Democrats have not won a statewide election in Tennessee since Phil Bredesen was re-elected governor in 2006 [1].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Tennessee_gubernatorial_election)\n[2] [Who\u2019s Running for Governor of Tennessee in 2026? Full Candidate Field, Analysis, and What It Means](https://redstatebluevoter.substack.com/p/who-wants-to-govern-tennessee)","campaigns":[],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Karl","fullname":"Karl Knox Smithson","lastname":"Smithson","middlename":"Knox","office_history":[],"summary":"Karl Knox Smithson is not mentioned in the provided sources regarding the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election.","terms":[],"token":"cpjNh7pJNj"}