No. Under Tennessee law, a candidate who is defeated in a party primary or party caucus may not later qualify as an independent (non-party) candidate for the same general election.
 

Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-5-204(f) provides:

(3) No person defeated in a primary election or party caucus shall qualify as an independent for the general election.

(4) No candidate in a party primary election or party caucus may appear on the ballot in a general election as the nominee of a different political party or as an independent.

This provision is commonly referred to as Tennessee’s “sore loser” law and applies regardless of whether the party nomination was conducted by primary election or caucus.

Legal citation

T.C.A. § 2-5-204(f)(3)–(4)

Last updated 1/9/26

Election laws and procedures are subject to change by the Tennessee General Assembly, court rulings, or guidance from the Tennessee Secretary of State. This article reflects the law in effect as of the date listed above. For the most current information or for questions regarding a specific situation, please contact the Election Commission directly.