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Elizabethton Today
By the People, for the People
Elizabethton Entrepreneur Files Petition for Tennessee Governor
David Hatley aims to run as independent candidate focused on economic issues
Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:49pm
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Local business owner David Hatley has filed a petition to run as an independent candidate for governor of Tennessee. Hatley, who owns several companies in the Tri-Cities region, says his campaign will focus on economic growth, job creation, and supporting American manufacturing.
Why it matters
Hatley's entry into the race as an independent candidate could shake up the Tennessee gubernatorial election, which currently features five Republicans and six Democrats who have had their petitions approved to run. As an outsider, Hatley's platform centered on economic issues could appeal to voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
The details
According to the Tennessee Secretary of State website, Hatley is one of 15 people who has filed as an independent to run for governor. His candidacy is still pending as of Wednesday. The official petition list shows five Republicans and six Democrats have had their petitions approved to run for the state's top office.
- On March 12, 2026, Hatley announced he is running for Tennessee governor.
- As of Wednesday, Hatley's petition to run as an independent candidate is still pending approval.
The players
David Hatley
A local entrepreneur from Elizabethton, Tennessee who owns several businesses in the Tri-Cities region and has filed a petition to run as an independent candidate for Tennessee governor.
What’s next
Hatley's petition to run as an independent candidate for Tennessee governor is still pending approval by the state. If approved, he would join five Republicans and six Democrats who have already had their petitions approved to run for the office.
The takeaway
Hatley's entry into the Tennessee gubernatorial race as an independent candidate focused on economic issues could shake up the election and appeal to voters seeking an outsider alternative to the major party candidates.
