Tennessee Republicans have thrown their support behind Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)’s run for governor after she announced her candidacy on Wednesday.
Blackburn said she entered the race to “ensure Tennessee is America’s conservative leader.” She also stated she is “ready to deliver the kind of conservative leadership that will ensure our state is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.”
Glenn Jacobs, the mayor of Knox County, explained he would “proudly cast” his vote for Blackburn to be the state’s 51st governor.
“Tennessee doesn’t follow; we lead. With Marsha Blackburn as Governor, it will stay this way,” Jacobs added.
The mayor said Blackburn has a “proven record of defending Tennessee conservative values.”
State Representative Lee Reeves (R-Franklin), who is running for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District’s open seat, threw his support behind Blackburn shortly after her announcement.
Reeves stated he “enthusiastically and emphatically” endorsed Blackburn. The state representative called Blackburn “Tennessee’s conservative warrior” and the “tip of the spear in the fight against the Left” in Tennessee.
Besides Reeves, other members of the State Legislature offered words of encouragement to Blackburn.
State Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) recounted how Blackburn led the fight against Tennessee’s efforts to implement a state income tax in 2002. Johnson stated that while he stood alongside Blackburn in that campaign, he witnessed the senator’s commitment to “preserving Tennessee’s core values.”
“She was the voice of reason to stand up to our own party and say no more. When she believes in something, she’s going to fight for that with everything she has. Let’s do this,” he stated.
Johnson’s colleague, State Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), said Blackburn will be an “amazing governor.” Yager called her a “traiblazer who stands strong with her core values.”
He added that Blackburn, alongside the leadership of President Donald Trump, will keep Tennessee “strong.”
Just like other members of the Tennessee General Assembly, State Representative Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville) said he would support Blackburn’s candidacy for governor.
“She’s a proven conservative fighter who never backs down from a challenge and always puts Tennessee first. I’m proud to stand with her. Let’s go win this!” Maberry explained.
On August 6, 2026, Tennessee will hold its primary for the governor’s race. In this competition, as of now, Blackburn will face off against Representative John Rose (R-TN-06).
A May straw poll found Blackburn the overwhelming favorite to win the state GOP gubernatorial primary race.
The person who wins the GOP gubernatorial primary nomination is most likely going to become the state’s next governor.
Tennessee hasn’t had a Democratic governor since 2011.
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