Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is reportedly mulling a bid for Tennessee’s governor position.
According to an article published Tuesday by Axios, Blackburn has been making calls and telling people she is likely to make a bid for the state 2026 gubernatorial race.
A source told the outlet that state and federal elected officials have made calls in support of the senator’s candidacy for the position.
One Republican Senator confirmed to The Hill Tuesday that Blackburn is eyeing the position, calling it Tennessee’s “worst kept secret.”
Another source familiar with the situation added that Blackburn was making numerous calls to Tennessee politicos about a potential run this weekend likely with the effect of trying to freeze the potential GOP field in place until she officially decides on a run.
Current Gov. Bill Lee (R) is term limited and cannot run again. Since the state leans solidly Republican, whoever wins the GOP primary will likely be Lee’s successor.
Axios’s local Nashville outlet reported Damon Hininger and Joe Baker are wealthy businesspeople who have yet to run for public office but may run in the primary.
Other insiders told Axios several other Tennessee lawmakers may pursue the office, including Reps. John Rose, Mark Green and state-level officials.
Blackburn was first elected to the Senate in 2018, becoming the state’s first woman senator. Before that, she served in the House since 2003. If Blackburn were to run for governor and win, she would be the state’s first woman governor.
She is a staunch supporter of President-elect Trump and received his endorsement for her most recent election win in November.
The Hill has reached out to Blackburn’s office and campaign for comment.
Al Weaver contributed reporting.
