Sen. Marsha Blackburn announces she's running for governor in Tennessee
Blackburn, who would be the state's first female governor if she wins, leaned heavily on her support for President Donald Trump in a short video posted to X announcing her campaign. The first images in the video are of the president, before Blackburn takes over to declare: "Trump is back, America is blessed, and Tennessee — better than ever."
"Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way. And that's why I am announcing my candidacy for governor," she says, promising to bring more jobs and energy production to the state, adding she plans to "deliver a world-class education for our children by empowering parents, not the deep state."
She framed herself as a stalwart of conservative policy who will carry forward those values as governor — promising to deport illegal aliens "whether it takes planes, trains or starships;" promising to "value life;" waving at the debate over transgender athletes participating in women's sports by saying "we'll define our boys and girls the way God made them."
"I love Tennessee, I believe in Tennesseans, and I'm ready to deliver the kind of conservative leadership that will ensure our state is America's conservative leader for this generation and the next," she added.
Blackburn will join a primary that includes Rep. John Rose, who has loaned his campaign $5 million to boost his bid. The state's current governor, Bill Lee, cannot run again 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.
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