Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, has officially announced her candidacy for governor, aiming to establish her state as a beacon of conservative leadership in the nation for years to come.
If elected, Blackburn would become Tennessee’s first female governor. Her campaign kick-off, shared in a brief video on X, highlighted her strong allegiance to former President Donald Trump. The video begins with footage of Trump, followed by Blackburn proclaiming: “Trump has returned, America is blessed, and Tennessee is thriving like never before.”
In her announcement, she emphasized Tennessee’s pioneering spirit: “Here in the Volunteer State, we are always leading the charge. That’s why I’m declaring my run for governor,” she declared, with promises to attract more jobs and enhance energy development in Tennessee. Additionally, she committed to improving the education system by supporting parental involvement over government intervention.
Positioning herself as a defender of conservative principles, Blackburn vowed to uphold these values as governor. She pledged to deport undocumented immigrants using “planes, trains or starships,” promised to “cherish life,” and addressed the controversial issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports, asserting: “We will acknowledge our boys and girls as they were divinely created.”
“My love for Tennessee and faith in its people drive me,” she stated. “I’m prepared to provide the conservative leadership that will make our state the champion of conservative ideals for today and future generations.”
Blackburn will be competing in a primary that includes Rep. John Rose, who has already injected $5 million of his own funds into his campaign. The current governor, Bill Lee, is unable to seek re-election due to term limits.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee, NBC News reported last week, citing two people who have spoken with him about it. A Defense Department spokesperson denied he was considering a bid and others in Hegseth’s orbit told NBC News that he has no plans to run for office.
Blackburn is a prominent force in Republican politics in the state, having served in elected office there for a quarter-century, taken high-profile roles in the Senate on issues like abortion and banning transgender athletes from women’s sports, and cultivated a relationship with Trump. The president has not yet weighed in on the race.
If Blackburn were to win, she would have to vacate her seat to which she was re-elected in November. As governor, she would have the ability to appoint her temporary successor before a special election to fill the seat.
Blackburn is the third sitting senator to announce a run for governor this year after Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet.
