Marsha
Blackburn
Republican U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn is the 2026 GOP nominee for Tennessee governor.
- sources
- 31
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 18
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 & jobsKeith Sonderling, of Florida, to be Secretary of LaborOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Did not vote
- Sep 28, 2026 · Senate · S4668 · EducationA 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 PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · PN1078 · Crime & public safetyTodd Blanche, of Florida, to be Attorney GeneralOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · HR6500 · Taxes & budgetAn act making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2027, and for other purposes.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Aug 7, 2026 · Senate · HR5334 · Foreign policy & defenseAn 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 PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Did not vote
- Jul 28, 2026 · Senate · PN1092 · Foreign policy & defenseWalter Clayton, of New York, to be Director of National IntelligenceOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Jun 5, 2026 · Senate · S2 · Taxes & budgetAn original bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Apr 16, 2026 · Senate · HJRES140 · Climate & energyA 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 PassedOfficial 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
- Date unknownendorsementPresident 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) - Oct 9endorsementCongressman 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) - Oct 8pollNew 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) - Oct 5endorsementRep. 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) - Oct 5debateKnox 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) - Oct 5endorsementRepublican 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) - Oct 5newsTennessee 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) - Oct 1newsBlackburn 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) - Sep 30debateGreen 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) - Sep 28debateBlackburn 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) - Sep 24newsBlackburn 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) - Sep 23debateHatley 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) - Sep 22debateIndependent 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) - Sep 9pollTargetSmart 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) - Sep 8debateGreen 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) - Aug 6newsBlackburn 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) - Jul 30filingBlackburn 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 unionAnnounced in May 2026 per campaign; exact date not established in sources reviewed. marshablackburn.com
- Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association unionAnnounced 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 officialNamed among endorsers in July 23 campaign announcement; exact date not established in sources reviewed. marshablackburn.com
- Turning Point Action organizationListed as endorser in voter-guide profile; no announcement date given in sources reviewed. ivoterguide.com
- U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps officialEndorsed in May 2026; exact date not established in sources reviewed. marshablackburn.com
- U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann officialNamed among endorsers in July 23 campaign announcement; exact date not established in sources reviewed. marshablackburn.com
- NFIB Tennessee PAC organizationmarshablackburn.com · Sep 30, 2026
- Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association unionmarshablackburn.com · Sep 28, 2026
- Tennessee Police Benevolent Association unionmarshablackburn.com · Sep 8, 2026
- Robby Starbuck otherConservative commentator. marshablackburn.com · Aug 3, 2026
- U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty officialmarshablackburn.com · Jul 23, 2026
- AFC Victory Fund organizationSchool choice advocacy organization. afcvf.com · Jul 22, 2026
- Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police unionmarshablackburn.com · Jul 16, 2026
- Honor Our Veterans organizationmarshablackburn.com · Jul 14, 2026
- National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) organizationmarshablackburn.com · Jul 13, 2026
- Former U.S. Rep. Phil Roe officialmarshablackburn.com · Jun 30, 2026
- Tennessee State Sen. Shane Reeves officialmarshablackburn.com · Jun 8, 2026
- Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry organizationmarshablackburn.com · May 29, 2026
Past elections
General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.
| Year | Seat | Result | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | U.S. Senate TN · R | Won | 1,227,483 | 54.7% |
| 2016 | U.S. House TN-07 · R | Won | 200,407 | 72.2% |
Covers the 2016 to 2022 general elections. The FEC has not yet published 2024 congressional results.
Sources 31
- [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] Burchett Endorses Blackburn for Governor(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [3] Marsha Blackburn - smarter.vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [4] Marsha Blackburn — 2026 Governor Campaign Finance(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [5] TargetSmart Polls - Call the Map(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [6] WWE legend Kane open to Tennessee Senate appointment as ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [7] As Blackburn refuses to debate, Tennessee Democrat Jerri Green holds empty podium forum(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [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] Republican TN state senator spurns party, backs independent ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [10] Why are TN governor candidates fighting about debates? 'Free exposure'(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [11] Issues - Marsha for Governor(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [12] Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn calls for electric chair ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [13] Category: Endorsements - Marsha for Governor(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
- [14] Voter Guide Profile for TN Governor candidate - Marsha Blackburn(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
- [15] Blackburn Declines Debate With Jerri Green in TN Governor Race(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
- [16] Sen. Blackburn refuses debate against Jerri Green in Tennessee ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [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] ‘Stop hiding’: Independent gubernatorial candidate pledges to ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
- [19] Independent TN governor candidate pledges $1M ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
- [20] Marsha Blackburn on X: "Once every appeal has been exhausted ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 8, 2026
- [21] Tennessee Police Benevolent Association Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Governor(opens in a new tab) Sep 8, 2026
- [22] Govenor(opens in a new tab) Sep 1, 2026
- [23] Robby Starbuck Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Governor(opens in a new tab) Aug 3, 2026
- [24] Senator Bill Hagerty Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Governor(opens in a new tab) Jul 23, 2026
- [25] AFC Victory Fund Backs Proven School Choice Champion Marsha ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 22, 2026
- [26] Category: Endorsements - Page 2 - Marsha for Governor(opens in a new tab) Jul 16, 2026
- [27] Marsha Blackburn - Nashville Banner(opens in a new tab) Jul 16, 2026
- [28] NRA Endorses Marsha Blackburn For Governor(opens in a new tab) Jul 13, 2026
- [29] State Senator Shane Reeves Endorses ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 8, 2026
- [30] Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry Endorses Marsha ...(opens in a new tab) May 29, 2026
- [31] Energy(opens in a new tab) Dec 18, 2025