Lauren Pinkston

Lauren Pinkston is an independent candidate running for Governor of Tennessee in the 2026 election [1]. She declared her candidacy for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026, with a primary election held on August 6, 2026 [1]. The filing deadline for the race was March 10, 2026 [2].

Pinkston describes herself as a seventh-generation Tennessean who spent her early years in Stantonville, Tennessee [6]. She earned a high school diploma from McNairy Central High School and a bachelor's degree from Freed-Hardeman University in 2009 [1]. Her graduate education includes a doctorate in international community development from Clemson University, which she completed in 2019 [1]. Pinkston previously served as a professor at Lipscomb University [14].

Her professional background includes work in business development and academia [1]. Before her political campaign, Pinkston lived in Southeast Asia, where she researched human trafficking and launched businesses designed to employ survivors of exploitation [7]. She currently consults for anti-trafficking organizations, corporate businesses, and government officials on policies promoting safety in the workforce [7]. Pinkston has also served on the Forward Party’s leadership circle and testified against Tennessee legislation regarding voter access and weapons in public schools [7].

In her campaign, Pinkston emphasizes independent solutions to political gridlock, focusing on lowering the cost of living, education, agriculture, and healthcare [8]. Her platform includes opposing a state income tax, exploring the removal of the grocery tax, and supporting regulated hemp sales [8]. She also advocates for shifting Education Freedom Scholarship funds toward early childhood education and reducing property taxes for seniors or those who have paid off their homes [8].

Pinkston is married to Gavin Pinkston, and they have four children [6]. The couple lived in Memphis and Greenwood, South Carolina, before moving overseas [6]. She maintains a campaign headquarters at PO Box 90560, Nashville, TN, 37209, with Daniel Smith serving as treasurer [9].

Sources

• [1] Lauren Pinkston - Ballotpedia
• [2] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [3] Tennessee state executive official elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [4] 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia
• [5] Lauren Pinkston for Tennessee Governor
• [6] Biography of Lauren Pinkston | Pinkston for Tennessee
• [7] Dr. Lauren Pinkston | Mormon Women for Ethical Government
• [8] Platform | Lauren Pinkston's Plan for Tennessee's Livability, Accountability, & Civility
• [9] Lauren Pinkston for Governor
• [10] Lauren Pinkston for TN Governor
• [11] Lauren Pinkston for Tennessee Governor
• [13] Lauren Pinkston for Governor
• [14] Lauren Pinkston, an independent running for Tennessee governor, wants to give people a third option | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [20] Lauren Pinkston for TN Governor joins The Dan Reaves ...

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 “Pinkston”, 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 (“Pinkston”).

Tennessee — statement of interest

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

Spotted an error or have a citation we should add? Suggest an edit →