Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced her candidacy for governor of Tennessee on Wednesday, launching her campaign just six months into her current Senate term.
“It’s official! I’m running for Governor to ensure Tennessee is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next,” Blackburn wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Her post was accompanied by a campaign ad that prominently featured former President Donald Trump.
“Trump is back. America is blessed, and Tennessee better than ever,” Blackburn said in the video. “Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way, and that’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor.”
Blackburn laid out a platform centered on economic growth, energy production, and parental control in education. She also pledged to crack down on illegal immigration and reaffirmed her commitment to traditional conservative values.
“This is Tennessee,” Blackburn said in the video. “We’ll honor the Constitution, we’ll value life, and we’ll define our boys and girls the way God made them.”
The two-term senator emphasized her belief in Tennesseans and her desire to make the state a national model for conservative governance. “I love Tennessee,” she said. “I believe in Tennesseans, and I’m ready to deliver the kind of conservative leadership that will ensure our state is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.”
Blackburn’s entry into the race sets up a high-profile contest to succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.
Her early campaign announcement positions her as a frontrunner in the Republican primary, with strong name recognition and ties to former President Trump, who remains popular among Tennessee conservatives.