Marsha Blackburn Is Officially the Republican Nominee for Governor of Tennessee
Tennessee Today

(X/@VoteMarsha)

Marsha Blackburn has officially secured the Republican nomination for governor of Tennessee, following months of campaigning as the clear frontrunner.

From fighting against the state income tax during her time in the state legislature, to serving in Congress, to being elected Tennessee’s first female United States Senator in 2018, Blackburn has long served the people of Tennessee. The Republican nomination sets Blackburn up to achieve another first, by placing her on a clear path to becoming Tennessee’s first female governor.

At an election night celebration in Knoxville, Blackburn was joined by family, supporters, and prominent Tennesseans, including Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Congressman Matt Van Epps, Congressman Tim Burchett, Jim Haslam, Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter, Leader Jack Johnson, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, and more.

In her victory address, Blackburn cast her vision for the state as she looks towards the general election. She addressed Republicans, stating, “The real work really begins right now. We have to unite.” Blackburn continued, proclaiming, “We are a solid red, conservative state and all of these socialist, communist policies end at the Tennessee state line.”

Blackburn took 43.55% of the votes, winning by a decisive 10-point margin over her closest challenger, John Rose. Rose and Monty Fritts received 32.95% and 23.5% of the vote, respectively.

Rose threw his support behind Blackburn, stating in his concession speech, “I hope you’ll join me in supporting our Republican nominee for governor of Tennessee.”

Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green won the Democratic nomination for governor and will face Blackburn in the fall. 

The general election will take place on November 3, 2026.