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Rep. John Rose Announces Campaign for Tennessee Governor

Rose, the first Republican to enter the race, positions himself as a conservative outsider while Sen. Marsha Blackburn is expected to join the contest soon.

Tennessee Rep. John W. Rose, here arriving for a House GOP caucus meeting in June, is running for governor.
Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn., right, kisses his wife Chelsea Rose, left, before announcing his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn., center, announces his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn., reaches to shake a hand after announcing his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Overview

  • John Rose, a four-term congressman and former state agriculture commissioner, officially launched his campaign to succeed term-limited Gov. Bill Lee in 2026.
  • Rose emphasizes his conservative credentials, personal wealth, and policy priorities, including infrastructure improvements, education reform, and support for gun rights and anti-abortion efforts.
  • Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a prominent Trump ally, is widely expected to enter the race, potentially setting up a high-profile Republican primary battle.
  • Tennessee remains a Republican stronghold, with the Cook Political Report rating the governor's seat as 'solid Republican,' making the GOP primary the key contest.
  • If Blackburn runs and wins, she could appoint a temporary replacement for her Senate seat, opening the door to a special election for the position.