Senator Marsha Blackburn officially declared her candidacy for governor of Tennessee in the 2026 race.
“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,” Blackburn announced on X.
At 73, Blackburn carries decades of conservative credentials, from her early leadership in the Tennessee Senate and U.S. House to winning her Senate seat in 2018 and securing a landslide re‑election in 2024 with nearly 64% of the vote.
If elected, Blackburn would make history as Tennessee’s first female governor.
Blackburn will not have to relinquish her Senate seat to run, giving her a unique advantage: she could appoint a replacement if she wins the governor’s office, according to AP.
The news outlet added that Blackburn now leads a primary race against fellow Trump supporter Rep. John Rose (R‑TN‑6), an outsider businessman.
Her announcement comes as Governor Bill Lee reaches his constitutional term limit.
Her campaign launch included a rally‑style video featuring President Donald Trump.
Transcript:
“Trump is back. America is blessed. And Tennessee? Better than ever.I’m Marsha Blackburn.
Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way. That’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor.
Tennessee is the greatest place in the world to rear a family, make a life, and make a living. And together, we can make our great state even better.
We’ll make Tennessee America’s number one job-creating, energy-producing powerhouse. We’ll deliver a world-class education for our children by empowering parents — not the deep state.
And whether it takes planes, trains, or starships, we’ll deport illegal aliens — because respect for the law starts with enforcing it.
This is Tennessee. We’ll honor the Constitution. We’ll value life. And we’ll define our boys and girls the way God made them.
I love Tennessee. I believe in Tennesseans. And I’m ready to deliver the conservative leadership that will ensure our state is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.
I’m Marsha Blackburn. I’m running for governor, and I would be honored to have your support.”
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
Jim Hᴏft is the founder and editor of The Gateway Pundit, one of the top conservative news outlets in America. Jim was awarded the Reed Irvine Accuracy in Media Award in 2013 and is the proud recipient of the Breitbart Award for Excellence in Online Journalism from the Americans for Prosperity Foundation in May 2016.
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