State Representative Monty Fritts, a 61-year-old Republican from Kingston, Tennessee, announced his candidacy for governor on a Nashville radio show, driven by his identity as a constitutionalist and Christian. Fritts aims to shrink state government, emphasizing a return to a “creationist worldview” to protect liberty and defend the Constitution, which he believes is undermined by excessive government programs and rights infringements.

His policy positions include a resolution for a statewide month of prayer and fasting to address issues like children in state custody and fentanyl overdoses, though he opposes mandating religion. Fritts also rejects geoengineering on constitutional and moral grounds, arguing it pollutes water, soil, and food supplies without public consent. He controversially opposed a bill banning first-cousin marriage, calling it a Democratic insult to Tennesseans, and criticized budget trends in Nashville and Washington, D.C., for threatening future generations.

A Rockwood native with military and nuclear industry experience, Fritts holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts in theological studies. He joins other Republican candidates, including U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Rep. John Rose, and Cito Pellegra, in the GOP primary set for August 6, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026. Democratic and independent candidates are also in the race, but Fritts’ campaign focuses on reducing government size and restoring constitutional accountability.