Early poll shows big favorite in 2026 Republican primary election for TN governor
WVLT 8
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – As announcements for campaigns to become Tennessee’s next governor begin, the Beacon Center of Tennessee has already released the results of its latest poll.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Rep. John Rose are set to battle for replacing Gov. Bill Lee in 2026.
So, a year before that race would take shape, the Beacon Center released an early poll for the GOP primary.
“Blackburn holds a commanding 52-point lead over Rose. The results show Blackburn enters as a clear frontrunner, with a strong early lead, earning 66% support to Rose’s 14%,” the center said. “Whoever comes out as the Republican nominee is expected to be a big favorite in the general election. The Beacon Poll shows both Blackburn and Rose leading a generic Democratic candidate by 19 points.”
The Associated Press reports that several democrats have announced/opened fundraising accounts:
- Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green
- Memphis resident Carnita Atwater
- Musician Adam “Ditch” Kurtz
- Tim Cyr from Gallatin
The primary vote will be held on August 6, 2026, with the election roughly a month later, on November 3.