Sen. Marsha Blackburn could appoint her own replacement in the Senate
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Sen. Blackburn speaks at an event in April. Photo: Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn plans to appoint her successor to the Senate if she wins the Tennessee governor's race in November.
Why it matters: The unusual political dynamic adds a layer of intrigue to the governor's race.
State of play: Blackburn is considered the heavy favorite against Democratic nominee Jerri Green and independent challengers. Blackburn confirmed to the Nashville Banner a few weeks ago she intends to serve in the Senate until she's sworn in as governor.
- In that scenario, the Senate seat would be vacant and the job of appointing an interim would belong to Blackburn.
Fun fact: According to the U.S. Senate Historical Office, governors have filled Senate vacancies with an appointment 34 times since 2000.
- Yes, but: Blackburn would be in largely unchartered political territory in Tennessee by appointing her own replacement, Middle Tennessee State University constitutional expert John Vile told the Tennessee Lookout.
Zoom in: The person appointed to the seat would serve a partial term until the next statewide election in 2028. There would be another election in 2030 for the next full six-year term.
The intrigue: The specter of the appointment hangs over Tennessee Republican politics heading into the November election.
- Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, a former WWE star, was considered a contender for governor, but endorsed Blackburn instead. He's viewed as a top candidate for the appointment.
- Jacobs' rising star caught the attention of President Trump, who posted on Truth social earlier this year, "Glenn Jacobs has a BIG political future in Tennessee - A great guy!!!"
- Two Tennessee congressmen — U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann — have also expressed interest in the Senate and would seem to make sense as successors.
What she's saying: Blackburn's team has shot down suggestions that she's forming a short list for the job.
- "She has been very clear there will be no discussions about a potential replacement until the appropriate time," her campaign manager Abigail Sigler tells Axios, adding that Blackburn is only focused on winning in November.