A new Republican power struggle is unfolding in Tennessee after conservative Congressman Tim Burchett publicly responded to reports that Senate Majority Leader John Thune is attempting to derail his chances of replacing Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn in the United States Senate.
Conservative radio host Todd Starnes dropped the allegation Monday, claiming sources told him Thune was actively working behind the scenes to prevent Blackburn from appointing Burchett to the seat she will vacate when she becomes Tennessee’s first female governor.
Starnes wrote on X:
JUST IN: Sources tell me that John Thune is actively campaigning to stop Marsha Blackburn from naming Rep. Tim Burchett as her replacement in the U.S. Senate. Thune does not want Burchett anywhere near the Senate chamber.
JUST IN: Sources tell me that John Thune is actively campaigning to stop Marsha Blackburn from naming Rep. Tim Burchett as her replacement in the U.S. Senate. Thune does not want Burchett anywhere near the Senate chamber. And that’s what makes Burchett the perfect choice! @timburchett
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) November 9, 2026
During an appearance on The Todd Starnes Show Monday, Burchett revealed that a prominent media figure had privately told him Thune opposed his appointment because he would not automatically follow Senate Republican leadership.
According to Burchett, he was informed that Thune had sent word he did not want him in the Senate because he would not do what leadership instructed.
Burchett responded:
“And I said, you know what? You’re exactly right.”
The Tennessee Republican made clear that he has no interest in becoming another reliable vote for Republican leadership simply because party insiders demand it.
Burchett said he was encouraged by Blackburn’s insistence that Washington would not determine who replaces her.
“I don’t think his leadership is what we need right now in the United States Senate,” Burchett said of Thune.
He continued:
“And I love the fact that he’s not for me.”
Burchett also criticized powerful Republican donors and influential figures within the party who, he argued, have never supported his political career.
“The big boys are not for me,” he said, describing wealthy political players who exert influence over Republican politics.
Burchett argued that his political support comes instead from working Americans frustrated with Washington, high taxes, and the rising cost of living.
When Starnes asked whether he wanted the Senate appointment, Burchett did not hesitate.
“100%.”
The congressman argued that the Senate needs someone willing to publicly identify the lawmakers standing in the way of legislation passed by the House.
As an example, Burchett pointed to his efforts to stop American taxpayer money from reaching the Taliban through nongovernmental organizations.
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He claimed approximately $40 million per week was flowing through NGOs and said he would use social media to expose lawmakers holding up legislation intended to stop such payments.
That funding figure was Burchett’s characterization and was not independently established during the interview.
Burchett also pointed to his fundraising and polling numbers, claiming he raised $1 million during the previous quarter and held a double-digit lead over other potential contenders in an independent survey.
WATCH:
Burchett made another declaration in a separate interview: His Senate ambitions will not necessarily end if Blackburn selects somebody else.
The congressman said he believes his statewide political network, fundraising operation, and support among grassroots voters would position him to compete in a future Senate election.
“I would absolutely take on that role. And if not, I would absolutely run for it in 2 years.”
Under Tennessee’s appointment process, Blackburn’s replacement would serve until voters choose a successor in the 2028 election.
Blackburn, who won the November 3 gubernatorial election, is expected to assume office in January 2027. She has indicated that she intends to remain in the Senate until taking office as governor, allowing her to select her successor.
Other names discussed as potential replacements include Republican Rep. Chuck Fleischmann and former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.
A Washington Examiner reporter cited sources saying Thune has not spoken with Blackburn about the seat and that she has not yet begun formal interviews.
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.
You can email Jim Hᴏft here, and read more of Jim Hᴏft’s articles here.
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