Jan 14, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: Blackburn eyeing run for Tennessee governor

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) waves as she arrives for a town hall with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump — Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) waves as she arrives for a town hall with former President Donald Trump. Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has been making calls and telling people she is likely to make a bid for governor, D.C. and Tennessee sources tell Axios.

Why it matters: Blackburn would be a formidable contender in the 2026 gubernatorial race. She would be running to be the first female governor in the state's history.

State and federal elected officials have been making calls in support of her possible candidacy in recent days, a source tells Axios.
With Tennessee voters leaning solidly Republican, the GOP primary will likely determine the state's next governor.
Current Gov. Bill Lee (R) is term-limited.

Zoom in: Damon Hininger and Joe Baker are deep-pocketed businesspeople who haven't run for major public office before, but who have been expected to throw their hats in the ring, as Axios Nashville has reported.

State insiders have also been keeping an eye on other public officials such as Rep. John Rose, Rep. Mark Green, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, State House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Secretary of State Tre Hargett as potential candidates.
The Blackburn campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

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Scoop: Blackburn eyeing run for Tennessee governor

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