U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn announced her candidacy in Tennessee’s 2026 race for Governor Wednesday morning with a video posted on social media.¶
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.¶
“Trump is back. America is blessed and Tennessee better than ever,” said Blackburn in the video. “Here in the volunteer state, we always lead the way, and that’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor.”¶
President Trump’s education priorities have included dissolving the U.S. Department of Education and preserving high-quality assessments, in addition to providing parents with more choice in what school their children can attend, including tax credits benefitting public charter schools and private school choice.¶
Senator Blackburn has publicly supported Trump’s proposed dismantling of the Department of Education in the past and Tuesday she promised to support school choice as governor.¶
“Deliver a world-class education for our children by empowering parents, not the deep state,” said Blackburn.¶
This summer Blackburn additionally signaled how she might approach education policy as governor by filing two bills in the U.S. Senate designed to weaken the impact of the nation’s largest teachers union.¶
Announcement Brings Republican Endorsements¶
Blackburn has long been an expected candidate in the 2026 race that will also include Tennessee Congressman John Rose, R-6th District, who announced his gubernatorial bid last March. Governor Bill Lee is term limited.¶
Tuesday’s announcement quickly led to multiple endorsements for Blackburn from high-profile Republicans, including Senate Education Committee Chair Dawn White, who posted a photo with the senator on X.¶
“@VoteMarsha is ready to lead Tennessee,” wrote White on X. “Let’s do this!”¶
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs provided another endorsement Tuesday morning. Jacobs himself had been considered a potential candidate, but threw his support behind Blackburn earlier this year and is now serving as her campaign treasurer.¶
“Tennessee doesn’t follow; we lead. With Marsha Blackburn as Governor, it will stay this way,” wrote Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs on X. “@VoteMarsha has a proven record of defending Tennessee conservative values, and exactly one year from today, I will proudly cast my vote for her to be our 51st Governor.”¶
Blackburn previously served as Tennessee’s 7th District Congressman and as a state senator. She lives in Williamson County and additionally founded a marketing strategy business.¶
Memphis City Council Member Jerri Green is the highest-profile Democrat to announce a bid for the 2026 governor’s race.¶
