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U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., announced Wednesday that she is running for governor of Tennessee, setting up a high-stakes GOP primary and potentially becoming the state’s first female governor. Her campaign launch video tied her closely to former President Donald Trump and emphasized staunch conservative policies on immigration, education, and gender identity.
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
Background
Blackburn, who has served Tennessee in Congress for over 20 years, is a household name in state politics and a frequent ally of Trump. She was re-elected to the Senate in 2024 and would have to vacate that seat if elected governor, triggering a special election to fill her post.
Tennessee’s current Republican governor, Bill Lee, is term-limited and cannot run again in 2026. Blackburn joins a field that includes Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn., who has already loaned his campaign $5 million, and possibly Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, although his camp has denied any active plans to run.
Legal and Political Implications
If Blackburn wins the governorship, she would be empowered to appoint a temporary successor to her Senate seat, which could reshape the state’s political dynamics heading into the 2028 election cycle.
Blackburn would also be the third sitting U.S. senator to seek a governorship this year, joining Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., signaling an emerging trend of senators returning to state-level executive roles.
Blackburn’s Platform
In her campaign video, Blackburn invoked Christian values and pledged unwavering loyalty to Trump, opening with footage of the former president. “Trump is back, America is blessed, and Tennessee — better than ever,” she said.
Blackburn pledged to “deport illegal aliens, whether it takes planes, trains, or starships,” and promised to defend traditional gender definitions in schools and sports. She also emphasized parental control over education and conservative energy policies.
“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,” Blackburn said.
Government and Party Response
While Trump has not yet endorsed in the race, Blackburn’s relationship with him is expected to play a significant role in the GOP primary. Gov. Bill Lee has not weighed in on a preferred successor. State Republican officials have remained neutral as the field begins to take shape.
Hegseth, a Fox News personality and Trump administration official who currently serves as Defense Secretary, was rumored to be weighing a run. However, both a Defense Department spokesperson and sources close to Hegseth told NBC News he has no plans to enter the race.
Broader Context
Blackburn’s candidacy highlights a broader Republican shift toward hyperpartisan executive leadership at the state level. It also reflects the continued dominance of Trumpism within GOP primaries, particularly in conservative states like Tennessee.
Her hardline rhetoric on immigration and gender issues aligns with national Republican messaging ahead of the 2026 midterms, positioning her as a potential standard-bearer for that agenda at the state level.
Next Steps
The Republican primary is expected to draw national attention as heavyweight candidates continue to enter the race. While Rose has strong financial backing, Blackburn’s name recognition and deep political network make her a formidable contender.
The date of the primary has not been set, and more announcements are expected in the coming months. Trump’s eventual endorsement — or lack thereof — could reshape the field significantly.
