WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Tennessee state Representative Monty Fritts declared his candidacy for the governor’s race Friday night during the “Trump Day dinner” organized by the Washington County GOP.

Fritts joins the Republican race alongside Senator Marsha Blackburn and Representative John Rose.

Fritts said he decided to run in order to combat government interference in everyday life.

“I mentioned tonight that [the government is] infringing on your rights to make your own choices,” he remarked. “We’ve done this multiple times in the past few years. That’s not what’s in the Constitution. I really believe we need to return to liberty and reduced government in Tennessee. I think there’s a strong desire for freedom, and there’s a significant aversion to big government and excessive budgets. Let’s shift in the other direction.”

An analysis by WalletHub indicated that Tennessee experienced the most significant rise in unemployment claims in the nation in August. Fritts emphasized that the government should prioritize small businesses over large corporations to address this issue.

“For three years, I’ve been contending with this establishment to understand that we’re all first in God’s view and also correct,” he stated. “According to the Constitution, we should also treat them, the local businesses, better and stop focusing so much on corporate welfare to attract better sports teams or other pursuits, and activities we engage in.”

When asked what values are important to his campaign, Fritts answered that he hopes he can resonate with the common people.

“What will ensure my success?” he asked. “Because I believe we’ll win, and it will be individuals like us saying ‘I’ve had enough with the establishment and Nashville politics that seem able to ignore me.’ I think there’s substantial frustration with that, and it’s crucial for us to restore confidence among Republican voters.”

The primary election for Tennessee takes place on Aug. 6, 2026. The general election will take place on Nov. 3, 2026.