Senator Marsha Blackburn has officially entered the 2026 Tennessee governor’s race, promising to make the state “America’s conservative leader.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., has declared her candidacy for governor of Tennessee, promising to make the state “America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.”
In a campaign video shared Wednesday on X, Blackburn aligned herself closely with former President Donald Trump, opening with his image and declaring, “Trump is back, America is blessed, and Tennessee — better than ever.”
She pledged to promote jobs, energy production, and parental control over education. “We’ll define our boys and girls the way God made them,” she added, while promising to deport illegal immigrants “whether it takes planes, trains or starships.”
If successful, Blackburn would be the state’s first female governor. Her entry adds to a growing Republican primary field, which includes Rep. John Rose.
Blackburn, a long-standing GOP figure, said she’s committed to continuing conservative policies. “I love Tennessee… and I’m ready to deliver the kind of conservative leadership” the state needs.
Gov. Bill Lee is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.