Yoshi D. Matthews is running as an Independent for U.S. Senate in Tennessee's Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Matthews is one of several candidates certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. The field includes Bill Hagerty, the Republican candidate; Marquita Bradshaw, the Democratic candidate; and seven other Independents: Andrew Gerena, Catherine Barcel Whitson, David Sutman Jr., James William Macon III, Jeremy Dean Hearn, Robert Jones and Tharon Chandler.

On her campaign website, Matthews said Tennesseans "deserve leadership that reflects our state's values of fiscal responsibility, public safety, strong local communities, and limited government."

Candidate information

  • Party: Independent
  • Office sought: U.S. Senate, Tennessee
  • Education: Bachelor of science in business in accounting, University of Phoenix; master of science in accountancy, University of Phoenix (expected fall 2026), according to her campaign website
  • Campaign committee: Yoshi Matthews for US Senate, registered at 919 Conference Drive, Suite 4-108, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072, with Matthews listed as treasurer, according to FEC records (FEC Committee ID: C00936500)
  • Matthews said on her campaign website that she is eligible to sit for the certified public accountant exam and plans to take it in 2026.

Experience and public service

Matthews is listed as founder of FTP Nonprofit, according to BallotReady profile data.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Matthews' campaign website and her BallotReady responses. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Economy and cost of living: Matthews said she supports lowering the cost of living, supporting working families and small businesses, and promoting responsible economic growth. She said policymakers must begin preparing for economic changes driven by technology. Matthews said one proposal worth exploring is universal basic income, which she described as a policy concept to ensure every American shares in economic growth made possible by new technologies and productivity gains.

Taxes and property tax relief: Matthews said she supports targeted property tax relief policies that would allow seniors who have spent decades working and contributing to their communities to remain in their homes with stability and dignity. Her approach, she said, focuses on balancing responsible fiscal policy with protections for long-time homeowners.

Border security and immigration: Matthews said she supports securing the border, enforcing immigration laws and supporting a functional legal immigration system.

Education: Matthews said she supports strengthening education, expanding workforce opportunities and ensuring Tennessee students are prepared for careers.

Reparations: Matthews said discussions surrounding historic injustice should be approached carefully and within the framework of the law. She said her proposal focuses on examining a narrowly defined, Tennessee-based policy approach that is fair, transparent and limited in scope.

Candidate responses were collected from Matthews' campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire. The Franklin Beacon did not interview the candidate. Voters can learn more at yoshimatthewssenate.com.

The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.