Blackburn Wins Tennessee Republican Primary for Governor
Quote from 442 on August 7, 2026, 12:17 pmNASHVILLE, Tenn. — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has secured the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor, winning Thursday’s primary election and advancing to the Nov. 3 general election.
The Associated Press called the race for Blackburn at 8:31 p.m. CDT, projecting she defeated U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts in the Republican primary.
Blackburn, currently serving her second term in the U.S. Senate, campaigned on a platform focused on continuing Tennessee’s economic growth, strengthening border security, supporting law enforcement, opposing illegal immigration, protecting women’s sports and advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda. Before serving in the Senate, Blackburn represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
With the primary victory, Blackburn will face Democratic nominee Jerri Green, a Memphis City Council member who won the Democratic gubernatorial primary earlier Thursday.
The 2026 governor’s race is Tennessee’s first open gubernatorial contest since 2018. Current Gov. Bill Lee is term-limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term.
Tennessee voters headed to the polls Thursday to cast ballots in races for governor, Congress, the Tennessee General Assembly and various local offices across the state.
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, when voters will decide who will become Tennessee’s next governor.
Source: The Associated Press and FOX 17 News.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has secured the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor, winning Thursday’s primary election and advancing to the Nov. 3 general election.
The Associated Press called the race for Blackburn at 8:31 p.m. CDT, projecting she defeated U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts in the Republican primary.
Blackburn, currently serving her second term in the U.S. Senate, campaigned on a platform focused on continuing Tennessee’s economic growth, strengthening border security, supporting law enforcement, opposing illegal immigration, protecting women’s sports and advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda. Before serving in the Senate, Blackburn represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
With the primary victory, Blackburn will face Democratic nominee Jerri Green, a Memphis City Council member who won the Democratic gubernatorial primary earlier Thursday.
The 2026 governor’s race is Tennessee’s first open gubernatorial contest since 2018. Current Gov. Bill Lee is term-limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term.
Tennessee voters headed to the polls Thursday to cast ballots in races for governor, Congress, the Tennessee General Assembly and various local offices across the state.
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, when voters will decide who will become Tennessee’s next governor.
Source: The Associated Press and FOX 17 News.