Donnie Lynn Ownby

Donnie Lynn Ownby is an Independent candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District during the 2026 election cycle [1]. He qualified for the general election ballot, which is scheduled for November 3, 2026, following the primary on August 6, 2026 [1]. His opponent in the general election will be the incumbent Republican, Charles J. Fleischmann [1].

Prior to his congressional campaign, Ownby served as a pastor with strong ties to Tennessee and Florida [14]. He relocated to Horseshoe Beach, Florida, in September 2023 to serve as the pastor of First Baptist Church there [16]. His tenure began shortly after Hurricane Idalia devastated the community, causing extensive damage to homes and church facilities [14]. Following the hurricane, Ownby led a year-long renovation of the sanctuary and parsonage [16]. The community faced further destruction from Hurricane Debby in August 2024 and Hurricane Helene later that year [16]. During these events, Ownby coordinated relief efforts and mobilized volunteers to protect church property, stating that the congregation would "rebuild" despite being "cast down" by the storms [17].

Ballotpedia lists his occupation as pastor in its candidate profiles for the 2026 race [13]. He is listed among the Independent candidates for District 3 alongside Dean Arnold, Jean Howard-Hill, Rodney King, and Edward Roland [1].

Sources

• [1] United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [2] Tennessee elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [3] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [4] United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [5] United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2026 (August 6 Republican primary) - Ballotpedia
• [6] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [7] 2026 Election United States House - Tennessee - District 05 - FEC.gov
• [8] Candidate Information | Williamson County, TN - Official Site
• [9] 2026 Election United States Senate - Tennessee - FEC.gov
• [10] Elections Calendar | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [11] 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia
• [12] 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee - Wikipedia
• [13] My Home My Tennessee
• [14] Former East Tennessean helping after Hurricane Debby
• [15] Tennessee 2026 Elections: Candidates for Governor, Senate & House | Politics1
• [16] First Baptist Church in Horseshoe Beach: ‘Cast down, but not defeated’ - Florida Baptist Convention | FBC
• [17] First Baptist Horseshoe Beach: ‘Cast down, but not defeated’ | Baptist Press
• [18] Tennessee's 2026 candidate lists finalized for state and federal races • Tennessee Lookout
• [20] Tennessee 2026 General Election

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 “Ownby”, 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 (“Ownby”).

Tennessee — statement of interest

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

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