Primary Victory
Sen. Marsha Blackburn has won the Republican nomination for governor of Tennessee, according to projections from NBC News and The Associated Press. She defeated U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts in the primary held Thursday. The AP called the race at 8:31 p.m. CDT. Blackburn, 74, is serving her second term in the U.S. Senate and previously represented Tennessee in the U.S. House.[S1][S3]
Blackburn will face Democratic nominee Jerri Green, a Memphis City Council member, in the general election. Tennessee has not elected a Democrat to a statewide office since 2006. Incumbent Republican Gov. Bill Lee is term-limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term. The governor's race marks Tennessee's first open gubernatorial contest since 2018.[S2][S3]
Campaign Dynamics
President Donald Trump declined to endorse in the race, a rare move for a Republican primary. Blackburn and Rose both leaned on his name, with the Tennessee Freedom Fund airing ads tying Blackburn to Trump. However, the Nashville Banner reported that Trump told Tennessee's congressional delegation on Air Force One he would not endorse Blackburn due to his relationship with Rose.[S1]
Rose spent almost $13 million self-funding his gubernatorial bid, including $4.5 million in the final weeks. Blackburn raised a total of $10.8 million. With about two-thirds of ballots counted, Blackburn led Rose 43.8% to 32.6%, with Rose performing better around his Middle Tennessee House district.[S1][S5]
Historical Significance
If elected, Blackburn would become Tennessee's first female governor, adding to her status as the state's first female U.S. senator. At 74, she would also be the state's oldest governor. Blackburn is considered one of the most conservative members of the Senate, known for her stances on abortion and transgender rights and her criticism of China's influence.[S1][S2]
Blackburn's Senate seat is not up for election until 2030. If she wins the general election, Gov. Bill Lee could appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of her term, or Blackburn could appoint her own successor after being inaugurated. Rose, who passed up a re-election bid, leaves an open congressional seat in the 6th District.[S2]
