Nathan Sage Suspends Campaign for United States Senate

Former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director cites inability to raise necessary funds to remain viable

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Nathan Sage, a former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, has suspended his campaign for the United States Senate. In a statement, Sage cited the financial realities of modern political campaigns and his inability to raise the necessary funds to keep his grassroots campaign viable.

Why it matters

Sage's decision to suspend his campaign highlights the outsized role that money plays in U.S. politics, with the political system often favoring those with wealth, powerful connections, and established influence over grassroots candidates. Sage's message of fighting for working-class people and getting big money out of politics resonated with many, but ultimately could not overcome the financial challenges of running for federal office.

The details

In his statement, Sage said that 'in today's political environment, it takes extraordinary sums of money to compete, to communicate, to travel the state, and to ensure our message reaches voters.' He acknowledged that 'too often, that system favors those with wealth, powerful connections, and established influence,' which was a reality his campaign could not overcome.

  • Sage first announced his candidacy last April.
  • Sage released the statement suspending his campaign on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Nathan Sage

A former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director who suspended his campaign for the United States Senate.

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What they’re saying

“Today, I share news that weighs heavily on my heart. After thoughtful conversations with my family, my team, and trusted supporters, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to end my campaign for the United States Senate.”

— Nathan Sage, Former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

Sage stated that while his campaign is ending, his commitment to fighting for working-class people and pushing for elected leaders and a government that truly listens to and fights for their voices in Washington is not. He plans to continue speaking truth to power and holding both Republicans and Democrats accountable.

The takeaway

Sage's decision to suspend his campaign underscores the significant financial challenges faced by grassroots candidates in the current political landscape, where money often takes precedence over the needs and concerns of working-class Americans. This outcome reiterates the core tenets of why Sage entered the race in the first place - to give a voice to those who feel left behind by the political system.