1 hour ago - Politics

Marsha Blackburn wins in Tennessee, will be state's first woman governor

Adam Tamburin

Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, walks onto stage during a campaign event in Clarksville, Tennessee, US, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. — Marsha Blackburn at a rally in October. Photo: Michael Swensen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Marsha Blackburn, the U.S. senator and conservative Republican who has been a force in Tennessee politics for decades, was elected Tuesday as the state's next governor.

She will be Tennessee's first woman governor.

State of play: Blackburn had long been seen as a favorite in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Bill Lee, who is term-limited. But in the midst of a national surge for Democrats, her margin of victory was smaller than many insiders had expected.

She won over Democrat Jerri Green and a slate of independent candidates including David Hatley.

The Associated Press called the race for Blackburn at 11:43pm Central Tuesday.

The big picture: Blackburn's campaign focused on familiar conservative positions, including fighting "woke" school curriculums, cutting government spending and banning transgender women and girls from competing in school sports (which Tennessee did in 2021).

She said she wants to ensure Tennessee "remains a safe haven for conservatives."

What she's saying: In a statement Tuesday night, Blackburn said she was "honored and humbled" by the win.

"This victory belongs to the people who make Tennessee great—the families who work hard, the parents who sacrifice, the farmers who feed us, and the volunteers who never give up."

What's next: Blackburn will be sworn in as governor in January.

Editor's note: This is a breaking story that will be updated.

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Marsha Blackburn wins in Tennessee, will be state's first woman governor

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