In an interview with the Tennessee Firefly’s On the Fly podcast, Rose said he’d be open to tweaks to assessments and evaluations, but believes the state should “keep on keeping on” with both systems that polling has shown Republican voters support.

Blackburn told supporters she plans to do four things “extremely well” if elected governor - keep taxes low, simplify licensing requirements, ensure government regulation is light, and provide businesses with a well-trained workforce.

The program, frequently referred to as vouchers, is providing 20 thousand children with tax dollars to pay for private school expenses, and Blackburn says it will be a key part of her education policy if she’s elected governor next year.

The Beacon Center says 66 percent of respondents said they support Blackburn compared to the 14 percent who chose Rose. 19 percent of voters were undecided.

Blackburn promised to make Tennessee America’s number one “job-creating, energy-producing powerhouse” and highlighted her support for President Trump and his priorities on multiple issues including school choice and illegal immigration.

The 6th District Congressman additionally loaned $5 million of his own money to his campaign war chest.

Rose announced his run for governor last March and told attendees at the event that Tennessee needs a governor who’s an “energetic executive” with “real experience” running an organization.

The 6th district congressman made a commitment to appoint a commissioner for the Department of Education that has experience in a Tennessee classrom

Multiple news outlets along with the Republican Women of Williamson County reported that Rose announced he’s running for governor at a Wednesday event in Williamson County.

Senator Bill Hagerty, R-Tennessee, took his name out of the running for the the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial race by announcing he’s going to seek re-election to the U.S. Senate.