Kingston, Tennessee, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Monty Fritts, a State Representative from Kingston, Tennessee, has officially announced his candidacy for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. He aims to reduce government overreach and promote fiscal responsibility while focusing on issues like cutting spending and eliminating the sales tax on groceries. Fritts, an Army veteran, faces established candidates with more resources in the upcoming election, and he emphasizes grassroots engagement in his campaign.
Kingston, Tennessee – State Representative Monty Fritts officially declared his candidacy for the 2026 Republican gubernatorial nomination on September 5, 2025. Fritts, who has emphasized a vision of greater liberty and less government, aims to address what he perceives as government overreach and increase fiscal responsibility in the state.
Fritts highlighted his commitment to cut spending and to challenge the political establishment in Nashville, which he accuses of redistributing taxpayer money in the form of corporate welfare. He believes that Tennesseans would benefit from retaining more of their money to make personal choices in areas such as health care and parenting.
In his campaign platform, Fritts voiced criticism regarding the state attorney general’s recent appeal against a court ruling that negated the state’s “intent to go armed” law and the prohibition of guns in parks. He insists that the influence of special interest groups must be mitigated and that government must be recalibrated to comply more strictly with the Constitution.
Fritts is an Army veteran who transitioned to a career in the nuclear industry before his political career. He enters the gubernatorial race as an underdog, facing established candidates such as U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Representative John Rose, both of whom have more substantial name recognition and campaign financing. Fritts has publicly acknowledged that he lacks the $25 million that some candidates may require to run a competitive campaign.
As part of his budgetary policies, Fritts pledged to work towards capping the growth of Tennessee’s budget, which he claims has surged by 59% over the past six years. Moreover, he expressed intentions to eliminate the state’s 4% sales tax on groceries, challenge a ruling related to undocumented students’ schooling, and suspend the state’s private-school voucher program.
Additionally, Fritts’ record includes measures aimed at banning climate-controlling chemicals, an effort that gained attention recently. Alongside these issues, he has opposed policies that he views as detrimental to life, including those affecting women’s rights to reproductive health options.
His campaign’s grassroots approach emphasizes direct engagement and establishing connections with voters across the state. Following his campaign announcement, Fritts reported an uptick in fundraising, indicating increased financial support for his efforts.
The Republican primary for the gubernatorial nomination is set for August 6, 2026, with the general election following on November 3, 2026. Fritts aims to mobilize support as he positions himself as a candidate advocating for reduced government intervention and increased personal freedoms.
Key Details of Monty Fritts’ Candidacy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidacy Announcement | September 5, 2025 |
| Campaign Focus | Cutting spending, government overreach, personal freedoms |
| Key Policies | End 4% sales tax on groceries, suspend private-school voucher program, reduce state budget |
| Political Experience | State Representative, Army Veteran, Nuclear Industry Retiree |
| Funding Status | $11,050 balance in House campaign account, $15,000 self-endorsed loan |
| Primary Election Date | August 6, 2026 |
| General Election Date | November 3, 2026 |
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Lookout: East Tennessee Republican Runs for Governor
- Times Free Press: Tennessee Rep Monty Fritts Announces Run for Governor
- The Mountain Press: Fritts Announces Run for Governor
- Tennessee Conservative News: Tennessee House Passes Bill to Ban Chemical Weather Modification
- Wikipedia: Governor of Tennessee
Author: HERE Nashville
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