Blackburn announces bid for Tenn. governor
TimesNews
NASHVILLE — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-TN, announced her campaign for governor Wednesday morning in a press release.
Blackburn seeks to replace current Gov. Bill Lee, who is term-limited.
On multiple occasions, Blackburn had publicly stated her desire for a governorship, but had held off on an official announcement until this point.
In a social media post, she outlined a platform including a focus on Tennessee’s energy program; job creation; and education by “empowering parents, not the deep state.”
Blackburn closely aligned herself with President Donald Trump and stated a strong commitment to combatting illegal immigration.
”Because respect for the law starts with enforcing it,” she said.
If elected, Blackburn would become the state’s first female governor. She became the state’s first female U.S. senator in 2018.
”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,” said Blackburn.
At this point in the race, Blackburn’s foremost opposition will come from U.S. Rep. John Rose, R-TN, another Trump advocate who announced his bid earlier this March. So far, Rose has already amassed $6 million in campaign funds.
However, state Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, said Blackburn still remains the favorite for Tennessee’s next governor.
“She’s the clear frontrunner,” said Crowe. “We’re about a year out, so you could still see some more people get in the race, but she’s a clear frontrunner, and I anticipate she’ll be the next governor of the great state of Tennessee.”
Crowe praised her conservative policies, such as her effort to prevent the implementation of a state income tax in the late 1990’s.
”I served with Marsha in the [state] Senate a long time. I know her a lot better than I know John Rose,” said Crowe. “She’d make a great governor.”
Across the aisle, Democratic challengers include Jerri Green, a Memphis city councilmember, and Dr. Carnita Atwater, an education administrator.
The Republican primary will be held one year from now, on August 6, 2026, while the general election is slated for November.