Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn Wins Tennessee Governor's Race, Making History
17 hours ago
Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has won Tennessee's gubernatorial election, defeating Democrat Jerri Green and becoming the first woman elected governor in the state's history.
Blackburn's victory marks a historic milestone for Tennessee, which has never had a woman serve as governor since becoming a state in 1796.
The Republican senator will succeed Gov. Bill Lee, who was unable to seek another term because of the state's term limits.
Blackburn, a longtime conservative and ally of President Donald Trump, entered the race after serving in the U.S. Senate since 2019. Before that, she represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly two decades.
Throughout her campaign, Blackburn emphasized public safety, economic development, education and immigration enforcement. She also highlighted her support for Trump's policies and pledged to maintain Tennessee's conservative direction.
Her Democratic opponent, Jerri Green, campaigned on issues including healthcare, education and affordability, seeking to appeal to voters concerned about the cost of living and access to essential services.
Tennessee has remained a Republican stronghold in statewide elections, with the GOP controlling the governor's office since 2011.
Blackburn's victory will also create a vacancy in Tennessee's U.S. Senate delegation when she leaves Congress to assume the governorship.
Under Tennessee law, the governor has the authority to appoint a temporary replacement to serve until a special election determines who will fill the remainder of the Senate term.
Blackburn is expected to take office in January 2027, becoming Tennessee's 51st governor and the first woman to hold the position.
Blackburn's victory marks a historic milestone for Tennessee, which has never had a woman serve as governor since becoming a state in 1796.
The Republican senator will succeed Gov. Bill Lee, who was unable to seek another term because of the state's term limits.
Blackburn, a longtime conservative and ally of President Donald Trump, entered the race after serving in the U.S. Senate since 2019. Before that, she represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly two decades.
Throughout her campaign, Blackburn emphasized public safety, economic development, education and immigration enforcement. She also highlighted her support for Trump's policies and pledged to maintain Tennessee's conservative direction.
Her Democratic opponent, Jerri Green, campaigned on issues including healthcare, education and affordability, seeking to appeal to voters concerned about the cost of living and access to essential services.
Tennessee has remained a Republican stronghold in statewide elections, with the GOP controlling the governor's office since 2011.
Blackburn's victory will also create a vacancy in Tennessee's U.S. Senate delegation when she leaves Congress to assume the governorship.
Under Tennessee law, the governor has the authority to appoint a temporary replacement to serve until a special election determines who will fill the remainder of the Senate term.
Blackburn is expected to take office in January 2027, becoming Tennessee's 51st governor and the first woman to hold the position.
