Misam Abidi

Background

Local 3 News reports that Abidi immigrated to the United States from Pakistan as a teenager in 1997, worked as a personal banker at Bank of America, and was working in sales and driving for Uber during the 2026 campaign. It does not specify how long he has lived in Tennessee.

Sources: Local 3 News, “DECISION 2026: Tennessee Governor candidates”

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Grocery taxes

  He supports eliminating Tennessee’s state sales tax on groceries.

  Main Street Media, “Main Street’s Q&A with independent governor candidates” (2026)

• Rural healthcare

  He proposes strengthening rural hospitals where feasible and improving emergency access through emergency facilities, EMS, community health centers, mobile medicine and telehealth where a full hospital is not sustainable.

  Main Street Media, “Main Street’s Q&A with independent governor candidates” (2026)

• Affordability

  He proposes Tennessee First Home Accounts, allowing contributions toward a child’s first home beginning at birth, and a state-backed reinsurance program intended to lower health insurance premiums.

  VOTE411, “Tennessee Governor 2026” candidate questionnaire