Polls have closed in Tennessee for gubernatorial and congressional nominating contests, with U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., considered the front-runner in the Republican primary for governor. The race is to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Bill Lee. Blackburn, a two-term senator with a national profile, faces competition from Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts.
Despite her national visibility and support for President Donald Trump, Trump remained neutral in the Tennessee gubernatorial contest. "Unfortunately, she’s running for governor. She’s running for governor of Tennessee. I’d love her not to, I begged her," Trump said in January, expressing a desire for Blackburn to remain in the Senate. He has, however, acknowledged she would be a good governor and noted Rose's loyalty.
Blackburn has publicly demonstrated her support for Trump, stating, "As President Trump sends power and authority back to the states, I'm ready to deliver for the people of the Volunteer State and make our state America's conservative leader."
Tennessee has not elected a Democratic governor in two decades, making the Republican nomination highly significant. Five Democrats are seeking their party's nomination, including Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green.
Senate and House Races
In other statewide races, Tennessee's other U.S. senator, Republican Bill Hagerty, is unopposed in the GOP primary for his second six-year term. The last time a Democrat won a Senate contest in Tennessee was 36 years ago when then-Sen. Al Gore was re-elected.
Several U.S. House races are also underway. Memphis voters will select nominees under a new Republican-drawn congressional district map that created an additional GOP-leaning seat and prompted longtime Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen to forgo re-election.
Two-term Republican Rep. Andy Ogles, a vocal Trump ally, faces a primary challenge from Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, who has received an endorsement from Gov. Bill Lee. This race has attracted significant funding from outside groups.
In national security discussions, Blackburn has been critical of Democratic strategies concerning presidential war powers regarding Iran, labeling them as delay tactics. She has emphasized the need to address Iran's nuclear ambitions and its alleged funding of groups such as Hamas. Blackburn also commented on a Michigan Senate candidate's anti-Israel remarks.