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R Republican · Governor, Tennessee · Nov 3, 2026

Marsha
Blackburn

Republican U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn is the 2026 GOP nominee for Tennessee governor.

Background

Marsha Blackburn is a Republican politician from Tennessee currently serving as a U.S. senator, a seat she has held since 2019. She was born in Laurel, Mississippi, earned a B.S. from Mississippi State University in 1973, and resides in Brentwood, Tennessee. Before her federal career she served in the Tennessee State Senate (1998–2002) and as executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission beginning in 1995. 469

Blackburn represented Tennessee's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House from 2003 to 2019, when she won election to the U.S. Senate. She was reelected to the Senate in 2024, with her current term running through January 3, 2031. 24

In August 2025, Blackburn announced her candidacy for governor of Tennessee, and in the August 2026 Republican primary she secured the GOP nomination. She is running for the seat being vacated by incumbent Governor Bill Lee, who is term-limited. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. 12131620

At a glance

Party
Republican
Running for
Governor, Tennessee
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
U.S. Senator from Tennessee
Website
marshablackburn.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Voting record

How Marsha Blackburn voted in Congress: 118th Congress (2023–24) and 119th Congress (2025–26), Jan 23, 2023 to Sep 30, 2026. From the official House and Senate roll call records.

roll call votes
1,606
missed
6.2%
with their party’s majority
97%

Recent key votes

  • Sep 30, 2026 · Senate · PN1129 · Economy & jobs
    Keith Sonderling, of Florida, to be Secretary of Labor
    On the Nomination · Nomination Confirmed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Did not vote
  • Sep 28, 2026 · Senate · S4668 · Education
    A bill to protect the name, image, and likeness rights of, and provide protections for, student athletes and to promote fair competition among intercollegiate athletics, and for other purposes.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · PN1078 · Crime & public safety
    Todd Blanche, of Florida, to be Attorney General
    On the Nomination · Nomination Confirmed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · HR6500 · Taxes & budget
    An act making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2027, and for other purposes.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Aug 7, 2026 · Senate · HR5334 · Foreign policy & defense
    An act to impose sanctions and other measures with respect to the Russian Federation, as championed by the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham, and for other purposes.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Did not vote
  • Jul 28, 2026 · Senate · PN1092 · Foreign policy & defense
    Walter Clayton, of New York, to be Director of National Intelligence
    On the Nomination · Nomination Confirmed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Jun 5, 2026 · Senate · S2 · Taxes & budget
    An original bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Apr 16, 2026 · Senate · HJRES140 · Climate & energy
    A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.
    On the Joint Resolution · Joint Resolution Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes

Key votes are final decisions on bills and joint resolutions, and top nominations. Software sorts each into an issue from its official title, so check the roll call. All 1,606 votes →

Timeline

  1. Date unknown
    endorsement
    President Trump endorses Blackburn for Tennessee governor after primary win

    Following Blackburn's primary victory, President Donald Trump endorsed her, writing: 'I know Marsha well, and she has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of the Great State of Tennessee.'

    WWE legend Kane open to Tennessee Senate appointment as ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 9
    endorsement
    Congressman Tim Burchett endorses Blackburn for Tennessee governor

    U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett publicly endorsed Marsha Blackburn for Tennessee governor, according to a report published October 9.

    Burchett Endorses Blackburn for Governor · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 8
    poll
    New poll shows Green has closed gap with Blackburn to within single digits

    A poll released around October 8 and reported by the Chattanooga Times Free Press showed Green and Blackburn within single digits in the governor's race, suggesting Green had narrowed Blackburn's lead since the September TargetSmart poll. Exact figures, sample size, and field dates were not established in available reporting.

    New Poll Shows Green, Blackburn Within Single Digits in Tennessee Governor’s Race | Chattanooga Times Free Press · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 5
    endorsement
    Rep. Harshbarger's office reiterates support for Blackburn amid Hatley social media confusion

    After Harshbarger's district director shared a Hatley campaign video on Facebook, the congresswoman's spokesperson clarified the post was not an endorsement of Hatley, had been removed, and that Harshbarger supports Blackburn.

    Why are TN governor candidates fighting about debates? 'Free exposure' · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 5
    debate
    Knox News reports Blackburn still refusing all debate challenges from opponents

    Knox News reported that Blackburn was not participating in debate challenges from Green or other candidates, while noting a Tennessee Press Association debate was set for October 27, with Blackburn's participation unconfirmed.

    Why are TN governor candidates fighting about debates? 'Free exposure' · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 5
    endorsement
    Republican state Sen. Janice Bowling endorses independent Hatley over Blackburn

    Tennessee Republican state Senator Janice Bowling broke with her party and endorsed independent gubernatorial candidate David Hatley rather than Blackburn.

    Republican TN state senator spurns party, backs independent ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 5
    news
    Tennessee voter-registration deadline passes ahead of November 3 general election

    October 5 was the last day to register to vote in Tennessee for the 2026 midterm elections, including the governor's race featuring Blackburn. Early voting is scheduled for October 14–29, with Election Day on November 3.

    It’s the last day to register to vote in Tennessee for the 2026 Midterm Elections. Here’s what you need to know · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 1
    news
    Blackburn calls for Tennessee to bring back the electric chair after botched execution

    Following the failed lethal-injection attempt on death-row prisoner Christa Pike on September 30, Blackburn called for Tennessee to use the electric chair, saying 'As your governor, I will do just that.' Gov. Bill Lee ordered a review and paused executions for the rest of 2026.

    Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn calls for electric chair ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Sep 30
    debate
    Green holds empty-podium forum after Blackburn declines to attend

    Green appeared at a forum in Brentwood with an empty podium representing Blackburn, who did not attend the event, one of four debates Green's campaign had proposed.

    As Blackburn refuses to debate, Tennessee Democrat Jerri Green holds empty podium forum · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Sep 28
    debate
    Blackburn rejects Green's debate proposals, calls her a socialist

    Blackburn formally rejected Green's four proposed debate dates and characterized Green as a socialist. Green's campaign condemned the refusal as an avoidance of accountability.

    Blackburn Declines Debate With Jerri Green in TN Governor Race · Sep 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sep 24
    news
    Blackburn campaign publishes op-ed on her economic vision for Tennessee

    The Blackburn campaign published a piece attributed to Senator Johnson outlining Blackburn's economic vision for Tennessee as part of her governor's race campaign messaging.

    In The News: Senator Johnson: A Look at Marsha Blackburn’s Economic Vision for Tennessee · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 23
    debate
    Hatley publicly urges Blackburn to stop hiding, debate him and Green

    Independent candidate David Hatley publicly challenged Blackburn to debate, saying 'stop hiding,' and reiterated the $1 million charity pledge to secure her participation.

    ‘Stop hiding’: Independent gubernatorial candidate pledges to ... · Sep 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Sep 22
    debate
    Independent Hatley pledges $1 million to charity if Blackburn agrees to debate

    Independent gubernatorial candidate David Hatley pledged to donate $1 million to charity if Blackburn agreed to debate him and Green, proposing October 8 in Nashville. Green said she would participate. Blackburn's campaign indicated conditional interest but a debate was not confirmed.

    Independent TN governor candidate pledges $1M ... · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Sep 9
    poll
    TargetSmart poll shows Blackburn at 45%, Green at 36% in governor's race

    A TargetSmart poll of 600 likely voters conducted September 9–12 showed Blackburn leading Green 45% to 36%, with independent David Hatley at 19% and Lauren Pinkston at 2%. The poll was paid for by The Progress Fund, a PAC supporting Green.

    TargetSmart Polls - Call the Map · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  15. Sep 8
    debate
    Green campaign challenges Blackburn to four debates; Blackburn declines

    Green's campaign proposed four debates—September 30 in Brentwood, October 3 in Nashville, October 9 in Memphis, and October 16 in Knoxville. Blackburn declined, with her campaign calling Green 'a socialist candidate who is running to destroy the agenda of Tennessee.'

    Sen. Blackburn refuses debate against Jerri Green in Tennessee ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  16. Aug 6
    news
    Blackburn wins Republican gubernatorial primary, becomes GOP nominee

    Marsha Blackburn won the Republican gubernatorial primary, defeating U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts, to become the Republican nominee for Tennessee governor.

    Marsha Blackburn - smarter.vote · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  17. Jul 30
    filing
    Blackburn pre-primary filing shows $2.69 million cash on hand

    Blackburn's pre-primary 2026 campaign finance report, filed July 30, showed $2.69 million cash on hand at the end of the reporting period, according to Who Funds TN.

    Marsha Blackburn — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Shelby County Deputy Sheriffs' Association union
    Announced in May 2026 per campaign; exact date not established in sources reviewed. marshablackburn.com
  • Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association union
    Announced in May 2026 per campaign; exact date not established in sources reviewed. Also reported endorsing alongside Fraternal Order of Police in July 21 report. marshablackburn.com
  • U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett official
    Named among endorsers in July 23 campaign announcement; exact date not established in sources reviewed. marshablackburn.com
  • Turning Point Action organization
    Listed as endorser in voter-guide profile; no announcement date given in sources reviewed. ivoterguide.com
  • U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps official
    Endorsed in May 2026; exact date not established in sources reviewed. marshablackburn.com
  • U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann official
    Named among endorsers in July 23 campaign announcement; exact date not established in sources reviewed. marshablackburn.com
  • NFIB Tennessee PAC organization
    marshablackburn.com · Sep 30, 2026
  • Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association union
    marshablackburn.com · Sep 28, 2026
  • Tennessee Police Benevolent Association union
    marshablackburn.com · Sep 8, 2026
  • Robby Starbuck other
    Conservative commentator. marshablackburn.com · Aug 3, 2026
  • U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty official
    marshablackburn.com · Jul 23, 2026
  • AFC Victory Fund organization
    School choice advocacy organization. afcvf.com · Jul 22, 2026
  • Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police union
    marshablackburn.com · Jul 16, 2026
  • Honor Our Veterans organization
    marshablackburn.com · Jul 14, 2026
  • National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) organization
    marshablackburn.com · Jul 13, 2026
  • Former U.S. Rep. Phil Roe official
    marshablackburn.com · Jun 30, 2026
  • Tennessee State Sen. Shane Reeves official
    marshablackburn.com · Jun 8, 2026
  • Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry organization
    marshablackburn.com · May 29, 2026

Past elections

General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.

YearSeatResultVotesShare
2018U.S. Senate TN · RWon1,227,48354.7%
2016U.S. House TN-07 · RWon200,40772.2%

Covers the 2016 to 2022 general elections. The FEC has not yet published 2024 congressional results.

Sources 31

  1. [1] New Poll Shows Green, Blackburn Within Single Digits in Tennessee Governor’s Race | Chattanooga Times Free Press(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  2. [2] Burchett Endorses Blackburn for Governor(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  3. [3] Marsha Blackburn - smarter.vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  4. [4] Marsha Blackburn — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  5. [5] TargetSmart Polls - Call the Map(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  6. [6] WWE legend Kane open to Tennessee Senate appointment as ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  7. [7] As Blackburn refuses to debate, Tennessee Democrat Jerri Green holds empty podium forum(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  8. [8] It’s the last day to register to vote in Tennessee for the 2026 Midterm Elections. Here’s what you need to know(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  9. [9] Republican TN state senator spurns party, backs independent ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  10. [10] Why are TN governor candidates fighting about debates? 'Free exposure'(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  11. [11] Issues - Marsha for Governor(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  12. [12] Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn calls for electric chair ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  13. [13] Category: Endorsements - Marsha for Governor(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  14. [14] Voter Guide Profile for TN Governor candidate - Marsha Blackburn(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  15. [15] Blackburn Declines Debate With Jerri Green in TN Governor Race(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  16. [16] Sen. Blackburn refuses debate against Jerri Green in Tennessee ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  17. [17] In The News: Senator Johnson: A Look at Marsha Blackburn’s Economic Vision for Tennessee(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  18. [18] ‘Stop hiding’: Independent gubernatorial candidate pledges to ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
  19. [19] Independent TN governor candidate pledges $1M ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
  20. [20] Marsha Blackburn on X: "Once every appeal has been exhausted ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 8, 2026
  21. [21] Tennessee Police Benevolent Association Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Governor(opens in a new tab) Sep 8, 2026
  22. [22] Govenor(opens in a new tab) Sep 1, 2026
  23. [23] Robby Starbuck Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Governor(opens in a new tab) Aug 3, 2026
  24. [24] Senator Bill Hagerty Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Governor(opens in a new tab) Jul 23, 2026
  25. [25] AFC Victory Fund Backs Proven School Choice Champion Marsha ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 22, 2026
  26. [26] Category: Endorsements - Page 2 - Marsha for Governor(opens in a new tab) Jul 16, 2026
  27. [27] Marsha Blackburn - Nashville Banner(opens in a new tab) Jul 16, 2026
  28. [28] NRA Endorses Marsha Blackburn For Governor(opens in a new tab) Jul 13, 2026
  29. [29] State Senator Shane Reeves Endorses ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 8, 2026
  30. [30] Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry Endorses Marsha ...(opens in a new tab) May 29, 2026
  31. [31] Energy(opens in a new tab) Dec 18, 2025
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