Victor L. Scoggin

Victor L. Scoggin is an Independent candidate running for Governor of Tennessee in the 2026 election ¹. His campaign identifies him as a "Patriot Party" movement supporter and describes his platform as that of a "non-politician" who has "failed us" alongside career politicians ¹.

Scoggin’s personal biography, as presented on his campaign website, includes extensive military and service history. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1977 to 1981 ¹. His civilian career included 32 years as a retired Ford/UAW Journeyman (1985–2017) and he holds credentials as a 100-ton Master Western Rivers Captain ¹. He is also identified as a volunteer firefighter for 43 years, a retired Coast Guard Auxiliary member, and a Tennessee Armed Guard member ¹. Additionally, he is the President and founder of Save the Cumberland Inc., established in 1996, and describes himself as a farmer and a "32nd generation Patriot" ¹.

Scoggin’s platform for the governorship focuses on strict conservative and populist policies. Key proposals include implementing term limits for elected offices, enacting campaign spending limits, and eliminating state National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits ¹. On criminal justice, he advocates for "no bail, no plea" reforms, speedy trials for violent crimes, felony charges for burning an American flag, jail time for lacking vehicle insurance, and the use of RICO laws against Antifa and gangs ¹. He also supports constitutional carry, firearm lockers at courthouses, and restoring Second Amendment and voting rights to non-violent felons ¹.

Economic and social issues are central to his platform. He proposes property tax reform, ending tax breaks for special interests, and creating a Social Security account similar to the Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) ¹. Regarding immigration and language, he supports an English-only policy and addressing illegal immigration ¹. On environmental concerns, he cites pollution in Tennessee’s drinking and recreational waters, including microplastics, human waste, PCBs, and chemicals, and opposes the Columbia TN Duck River Dam ¹. He also advocates for biodegradable consumable products, banning styrofoam, drug testing for government employees, and "DOGE" (Department of Government Efficiency) across state agencies ¹.

Scoggin criticizes current political spending, specifically citing Senator Marsha Blackburn’s campaign funds as evidence that positions are "bought" ¹. He urges voters to reject career politicians who he claims have ignored issues such as homelessness, mental illness, and excessive government spending in a state with a $50 billion budget and 45,000 employees ¹. His campaign materials promote American-made merchandise, including hats and coffee cups, and encourage attendance at rallies under the slogan "Make Tennessee Great Again. Make America Great Again, Again" ¹.

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