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.
- 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.
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