Former Lipscomb University professor launches bid for Tennessee governor

November 21, 2025

From Tennessee Lookout, by J. Holly McCall

Former Lipscomb University professor Lauren Pinkston, who has spent her career researching human trafficking prevention and community development, will run for governor as an independent candidate. 

A first-time candidate, Pinkston, of Columbia, said she first considered running for the state legislature before eyeing the governor’s race.

“Knowing who is on the ballot on the Republican side, there are some really polarizing figures that people are not excited about,” she said. “There are a lot of Republicans who were raised like I was with a core set of values that they just don’t feel represented by their party anymore.”

Pinkston cited 2024 data from Gallup Poll showing 43% of Americans considered themselves as independent voters, affiliated with neither the Democratic Party nor the Republican Party.