NASHVILLE — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the Republican primary for Tennessee governor Thursday, clearing her path to succeed term-limited Gov. Bill Lee and making her the favorite for the state's top executive office.
Blackburn defeated Rep. John Rose, who also sought to replace Lee. Both candidates campaigned on platforms aligned with President Donald Trump's agenda.
Lee is completing his second term and cannot run again under Tennessee law. His departure opened the seat and drew a competitive primary field.
Blackburn has served in the U.S. Senate since 2019, after 16 years in the U.S. House. Her move from federal office to a state executive race is a deliberate step down in institutional rank — and a bet that running Tennessee is worth it.
Rose, who represents Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, ran hard on his conservative credentials and support for Trump. His loss ends his bid for the governorship.
The primary also delivered a notable setback for Trump's endorsement operation in the state. Trump-backed Andy Ogles lost his Tennessee House GOP primary, a reminder that a presidential endorsement does not guarantee victory even in reliably Republican territory.
Blackburn now faces a Democratic opponent in the Nov. 3 general election. Tennessee's Republican lean gives her a substantial advantage heading into the fall.
If she wins, her Senate seat will become vacant. Gov. Lee would appoint a temporary replacement to serve until a special election fills the remainder of her term.
