Tennessee’s Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, who was just reelected by nearly 30 points in November, is considering a run for Tennessee governor.

Citing sources in Washington, D.C., and Tennessee, Axios reports that Blackburn was making calls saying she was likely to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race to replace term-limited Governor Bill Lee. Blackburn, a conservative senator and strong ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has been in the Senate since 2019. 

Neither Blackburn nor her campaign has publicly confirmed that she will enter the race, but some Republicans have already come out to announce their support for her. 

“Senator Blackburn has done an outstanding job as a state senator, U.S. congresswoman, and U.S. Senator,” said Glenn Jacobs, the former WWE wrestler-turned-politician, posted on X. “She would do an equally outstanding job as Governor and would have my full support if that’s what she decides.”

His name had been floated in Republican circles in the state as another potential gubernatorial candidate, but his endorsement of Blackburn signals that he wouldn’t enter the race should Blackburn declare.

Blackburn, previously a state legislator and congresswoman, was first elected to the Senate in 2018, defeating former Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen 54.7%-43.9%. In 2024, she built on her margin of victory, handily defeating Democratic challenger Gloria Johnson 63.8%-34.2%. 

“This victory tonight really does belong to the people of Tennessee because they’re the ones we’ve listened to, they’re the ones that have shown up at meetings all across this state in each of our 95 counties, and the people of Tennessee have spoken,” Blackburn said on Election Day after her sweeping win. 

CELEBRATE #47 WITH 47% OFF DAILYWIRE+ MEMBERSHIPS + A FREE $20 GIFT

Blackburn said she had been given a “to-do” list by the people of Tennessee.

“Here’s your to-do list that we’ve heard from you: Bring back a strong economy and get rid of this inflation. And make the Trump tax cuts permanent,” Blackburn said. “Secure that southern border and absolutely build the wall.” 

During her time in the Senate, Blackburn has backed measures to crack down on illegal immigration, oppose transgender ideology, keep men out of women’s sports, and push for tech companies to ensure more safety online for kids. 

Blackburn has also won public support from prominent Tennessee conservatives, including Daily Wire CEO Jeremy Boreing and commentator Clay Travis.

“I am an enormous fan of my governor Bill Lee. I am also an enormous fan of my senator Marsha Blackburn,” Boreing wrote on X. “That likely means I am an enormous fan of my next governor as well.”

“She’s been a fabulous senator and Marsha Blackburn will make a great Tennessee governor too,” said Travis. “She’s got my vote next year.”

Other potential Republican candidates for governor might include Reps. John Rose and Mark Green, State House Speaker Cameron Sexton, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

​[#item_full_content]  

​[[{“value”:”

Tennessee’s Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, who was just reelected by nearly 30 points in November, is considering a run for Tennessee governor.

Citing sources in Washington, D.C., and Tennessee, Axios reports that Blackburn was making calls saying she was likely to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race to replace term-limited Governor Bill Lee. Blackburn, a conservative senator and strong ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has been in the Senate since 2019. 

Neither Blackburn nor her campaign has publicly confirmed that she will enter the race, but some Republicans have already come out to announce their support for her. 

“Senator Blackburn has done an outstanding job as a state senator, U.S. congresswoman, and U.S. Senator,” said Glenn Jacobs, the former WWE wrestler-turned-politician, posted on X. “She would do an equally outstanding job as Governor and would have my full support if that’s what she decides.”

His name had been floated in Republican circles in the state as another potential gubernatorial candidate, but his endorsement of Blackburn signals that he wouldn’t enter the race should Blackburn declare.

Blackburn, previously a state legislator and congresswoman, was first elected to the Senate in 2018, defeating former Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen 54.7%-43.9%. In 2024, she built on her margin of victory, handily defeating Democratic challenger Gloria Johnson 63.8%-34.2%. 

“This victory tonight really does belong to the people of Tennessee because they’re the ones we’ve listened to, they’re the ones that have shown up at meetings all across this state in each of our 95 counties, and the people of Tennessee have spoken,” Blackburn said on Election Day after her sweeping win. 

CELEBRATE #47 WITH 47% OFF DAILYWIRE+ MEMBERSHIPS + A FREE $20 GIFT

Blackburn said she had been given a “to-do” list by the people of Tennessee.

“Here’s your to-do list that we’ve heard from you: Bring back a strong economy and get rid of this inflation. And make the Trump tax cuts permanent,” Blackburn said. “Secure that southern border and absolutely build the wall.” 

During her time in the Senate, Blackburn has backed measures to crack down on illegal immigration, oppose transgender ideology, keep men out of women’s sports, and push for tech companies to ensure more safety online for kids. 

Blackburn has also won public support from prominent Tennessee conservatives, including Daily Wire CEO Jeremy Boreing and commentator Clay Travis.

“I am an enormous fan of my governor Bill Lee. I am also an enormous fan of my senator Marsha Blackburn,” Boreing wrote on X. “That likely means I am an enormous fan of my next governor as well.”

“She’s been a fabulous senator and Marsha Blackburn will make a great Tennessee governor too,” said Travis. “She’s got my vote next year.”

Other potential Republican candidates for governor might include Reps. John Rose and Mark Green, State House Speaker Cameron Sexton, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

“}]] 

 

Sign up to receive our newsletter

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.