❓WHAT HAPPENED: Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn announced her candidacy for Tennessee governor.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Rep. John Rose (R-TN), and outgoing Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN).
📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on Wednesday, in Tennessee, as Blackburn prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way. And that’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor.” – Marsha Blackburn
🎯IMPACT: If elected, Blackburn would become the first woman to serve as Tennessee governor.
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) officially announced her candidacy for governor of Tennessee on August 6, setting her sights on succeeding term-limited Governor Bill Lee. In a video released to launch her campaign, Blackburn declared her vision to position Tennessee as “America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.”
Blackburn opened her announcement with a confident message: “Trump is back, America is blessed and Tennessee—better than ever.” Touting her conservative credentials, she aligned herself closely with President Donald J. Trump, adding, “He’s going to need strong conservative governors who can bring that revolution home.”
It’s official! I’m running for Governor to ensure Tennessee is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.
I would be honored to have your support. #TNGov pic.twitter.com/5PNN8MkTJQ
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) August 6, 2025
A veteran of Tennessee politics, Blackburn has served in the U.S. Senate since 2019 and previously held a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than a decade. Her 2018 Senate campaign drew national headlines after pop star Taylor Swift publicly criticized her voting record. Despite the backlash, Blackburn won the race and became the first woman to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. She secured a second term in 2024.
Blackburn’s entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race sets up a Republican primary contest with Representative John Rose, who declared his candidacy earlier this year.
If successful, Blackburn would become Tennessee’s first female governor. This move also places Blackburn among a growing list of U.S. senators seeking gubernatorial office, following recent announcements by Senators Michael Bennet (D) of Colorado and Tommy Tuberville (R) of Alabama.
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