Since narrowly losing his campaign for the state senate to Jack Johnson four years ago, Gary Humble has essentially continued his campaign. Today Humble issued a statement announcing he is ending his campaign.
“Over the past several months, I have been both humbled and deeply encouraged by the incredible grassroots support poured into my campaign for State Senate. So many of you have given your time, your talent, and your resources. You believed in what this campaign stood for, and you believed in me. That is a high honor — one I do not take lightly.
For some time, there has been a tremendous amount of encouragement and expectation that I would step forward to represent District 27. I have felt that call in a very real way. But after much prayer, thought, and honest conversations with my family, I have reached the conclusion that this is not the right pursuit for me at this time.
Today, I am officially ending my campaign and withdrawing my candidacy for State Senate.
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.
I want to say something plainly. Our political system is not healthy. We all see it — the corruption, the power structures, the backroom deals, the pressure to compromise, and the machine that punishes anyone who dares stand outside it. The environment is spiritually exhausting, and the cost on families is real. It is precisely because of this brokenness that good people are often reluctant to step into the arena. However, self-governance only works when men and women of conviction are willing to stand, and we must never shrink back from that responsibility.
Surviving this political climate — let alone thriving in it — is not something a person can do in their own strength. It is a calling from God, and it requires His grace, His favor, His covering, and His timing. Right now, in this moment, I do not sense that this is the race God is asking me to run.
My personal life is in a season of significant transition — transitions that are both good and necessary. 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.
In good faith, our campaign will offer a full refund to any donor who requests one. 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.
To everyone who prayed, volunteered, donated, encouraged, and believed in what this campaign represented — thank you. Your support has meant more than I can possibly express. I am stepping out of this race, but I am not stepping away from the work. The fight for liberty, for constitutional government, and for the sovereignty of the people is far bigger than one campaign or one candidate.
Though this chapter is closing, the mission continues, and I trust God fully with the road ahead.”
Humble officially announced his campaign on Sept 3. His statement, withdrawing from the race indicated that he would not be available for further comment.
