Tennessee's Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn Announces Gubernatorial Campaign
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn Announces Bid for Governor
In a move that adds another high-profile name to the 2026 gubernatorial race, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has announced her candidacy for the governor's seat. Blackburn joins Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Michael Bennet of Colorado in seeking the governorship instead of seeking re-election to the Senate.
Blackburn, a staunch conservative, is the favourite to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Bill Lee. She made this announcement on August 6, 2025, stating her love for Tennessee, belief in Tennesseans, and readiness to deliver conservative leadership. Her campaign slogan is "#TNGov".
Blackburn was previously elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018, making her the first woman to do so from Tennessee. If elected, she would be the first woman to be elected governor in Tennessee's history.
Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) has also announced his bid for governor in 2026. Marsha Blackburn's campaign video features images of President Donald Trump, suggesting a strong conservative appeal.
While Blackburn is the favourite, it's unclear if she faces significant political opposition in the race for governor. No prior context was provided regarding her specific policies or any other political positions she has held. It's also not clear if her campaign has received any endorsements or support from notable figures or organizations.
Other sitting senators confirmed to be running for governor in 2026 are Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). No other sitting senators have been reported as running for governor at this time. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is running for U.S. Senate in 2026, but that is the opposite direction—governor to Senate.
The race for Tennessee's governorship in 2026 is shaping up to be an interesting one, with Blackburn and Rose vying for the Republican nomination. The Democratic nominee will also play a crucial role in determining the eventual winner. Stay tuned for more updates as the race unfolds.
In the 2026 gubernatorial race, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn's campaign, characterized by a conservative appeal, positions her as the favorite for the Republican nomination. However, her policy-and-legislation platform and any potential political opposition are yet to be clarified, with no endorsements or significant support announced so far.
The 2026 race for Tennessee's governorship, featuring Marsha Blackburn and a few other candidates, is expected to be filled with policy-and-legislation discussions and general-news coverage as the election approaches.
