Blackburn said she’s the leader the state needs to take advantage of Trump’s work to shrink the federal government and provide more power to the states.

Rose’s new 30-second ad begins with the 6th District Congressman walking through farmland, touting his agricultural experience.

The U.S. Senator utilized her appearance at Nashville Collegiate Prep’s high school grand opening to promote her support for removing barriers that organizations face when starting new public charter schools.

Both leading Republican candidates in the 2026 governor’s race are applauding President Trump’s decision that also appears to have given one Democratic candidate a larger spotlight.

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.

Blackburn announced she’s sponsoring two bills to revoke the NEA’s charter and prevent it from lobbying the federal government.

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.

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.