Tennessee Stands Executive Director Gary Humble on Friday announced the end of his 2026 primary challenge to State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin).
Humble, who announced his candidacy for State Senate District 27 in September, confirmed his exit from the race in a statement posted to his campaign website.
“Today, I am officially ending my campaign and withdrawing my candidacy for State Senate,” stated Humble.
He told his supporters, “I recognize that this may be disappointing to many, and I understand that feeling. I have felt the weight of commitment and the burden of expectation. But I also believe in being honest about the season God has me in and the limits that come with it.”
Explaining his decision to step away from the race, Humble cited personal and business reasons.
“My personal life is in a season of significant transition — transitions that are both good and necessary,” said Humble. “I have business opportunities in front of me that demand my attention, my family needs me, and at the same time, my team and I have been working through some very important next steps at Tennessee Stands, the organization I founded and have passionately led for more than five years. All of this requires margin and focus that I simply do not have while running a campaign — or serving in elected office.”
Humble added that any donor to his campaign who requests their money back would receive a full refund.
“For supporters who choose not to request a refund, remaining campaign funds will be distributed among conservative candidates in Tennessee to the extent allowable by law. As is required for any campaign, all of these expenditures will be fully disclosed for public view,” said Humble.
Humble previously challenged Johnson for the same seat in 2022.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Gary Humble” by Gary Humble.Â
Bye Bye to this political gadfly!!!