Beloved Red State Senator Announces Run For Governor

With Republican control of the U.S. Senate almost certainly ensured after 2026, one member is leaving her post to make a run to become the next governor of her home state.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) broke the news on Wednesday, thanking her staff and colleagues for their support through her six-year term while promising to be “America’s conservative leader” as the next chief executive of Tennessee.

A video released by her campaign leaned heavily into her association with Trump, whom she endorsed early in 2024. A narration by Blackburn declares, “Trump is back, America is blessed, and Tennessee — better than ever.”

“Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way. And that’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor,” she continues while promising to bring more jobs to Tennessee and “deliver a world-class education for our children by empowering parents, not the deep state.”

Blackburn, who would be the state’s first female governor if elected, framed herself as a stalwart conservative on most fronts, from illegal immigration (“whether it takes planes, trains or starships”) to abortion (“value life”) and transgender athletes.

“We’ll define our boys and girls the way God made them,” she states.

“I love Tennessee, I believe in Tennesseans, and I’m ready to deliver the kind of conservative leadership that will ensure our state is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next,” she added.

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Blackburn’s entrance immediately vaults her to the top of the field. So far, GOP Rep. John Rose (R-TN) has jumped into the race and loaned himself $1 million. Bill Lee, the state’s current governor, cannot run again due to term limits, NBC News reported.

President Trump has not yet weighed in on the race in a state that he won by a 30-point margin over former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Sources close to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have said he has speculated openly about returning to Tennessee to pursue elected office. However, White House advisors familiar with political machinations in the administration insisted that Hegseth plans to stay on as head of the Pentagon through the 2026 elections.

Blackburn is a modern force of nature in Tennessee Republican politics, having served in various offices for a quarter century. If she becomes governor, the Republican would have to vacate her Senate seat, but state law would allow Blackburn to appoint her successor before a special election could be held.

She is the third sitting senator to announce a run for governor next year. Colorado Democrat Michael Bennett (D-CO) announced his campaign for governor, as did Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who was elected in 2020.