January 28, 2026 by Ruby Rayner
President Donald Trump sounded very much in favor of U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s campaign for Tennessee governor at a U.S. Treasury event Wednesday.
Blackburn, Tennessee’s senior senator, announced in August that she would run in 2026 to replace outgoing Gov. Bill Lee, who cannot seek reelection because of term limits. Blackburn first won her Senate seat in 2018 and won reelection in November.
“Marsha Blackburn is an incredible person. Unfortunately, she is running for governor. She is running for governor of Tennessee. I’d love her not to, I begged her, I said Marsha, ‘Don’t, we don’t want to lose you in the Senate,'” Trump said at the event. “But I have to say, they’re lucky. They’re lucky to get you. Because you’re a talent and a great person, and you’ve been with me all the way, and I appreciate it, and you’re a very special person. Marsha, stand up, please.”
Blackburn has been a close ally of the president and supported him in the Senate. She worked to get him reelected.
Blackburn posted a clip of the comment Trump made about her on Wednesday to X with the caption, “Thank you for the support and kind words, Mr. President! As the next Governor of Tennessee, you have my word: I will NEVER let you down!”
Blackburn’s campaign did not provide further comment about the president’s statement.
She faces U.S. Rep. John Rose of Cookeville and state Rep. Monty Fritts of Kingston in the Republican primary in August.
Rose was first elected to Congress in 2018. Like Blackburn, Rose has backed Trump.
“The president has also praised Congressman Rose, calling him fantastic during this very campaign and endorsing him in every campaign for Congress before now,” said Chris Devaney, a spokesperson for Rose’s campaign. “If the president decides to make an endorsement in the race, John would be honored to receive it. In the meantime, he is focused on winning and delivering on what Tennesseans want for the future of this great state.”
In August, Rose posted to X a quote from Trump that said, “John is fantastic,” with the caption, “I appreciate @realDonaldTrump comments about this race yesterday … and his faith in me. I’ve stood with the president in Washington, and I’ll fight for you in Tennessee!”
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