Sen. Marsha Blackburn officially running for TN governor
Action News 5

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Sen. Marsha Blackburn made it official on Wednesday morning.

It was expected, but the senator announced she is running to be the next governor of Tennessee.

“In his first six months, President Trump has made historic strides in Making America Great Again, but as he sends power back to the states, he’s going to need strong conservative governors who can bring that revolution home. I’m running to serve as Tennessee’s next governor to ensure Tennessee is America’s conservative leader,” Sen. Blackburn said. “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, and I would be honored to have your support.”

Blackburn is the senior senator in the state, representing Tennessee alongside Bill Hagerty. She was elected in 2018 and is the first woman ever to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate.

She joins John Rose and Cito Pellegra as the Republican candidates for Governor Bill Lee’s seat. Lee is currently serving his last term in office.

Several Democrats have either announced they are preparing to run, including Memphis city councilmember Sherri Green, Memphis resident Carnita Atwater, musician Adam “Ditch” Kurtz, and Tim Cyr from Gallatin.

The primary vote will be held on August 6, 2026, with the election roughly a month later, on November 3.