Sen. Marsha Blackburn wins the Republican primary for governor of Tennessee

2026 ElectionSen. Marsha Blackburn wins the Republican primary for governor of TennesseeBlackburn, a longtime Trump ally, defeated Rep. John Rose for the nomination, NBC News projects, after the president decided not to endorse in the race.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., attends a ceremony to rename a bridge after President Donald J. Trump, on July 9 in Dandridge, Tenn. George Walker IV / APShareAdd NBC News to GoogleAug. 6, 2026, 9:29 PM EDTBy Annelise HansonSen. Marsha Blackburn has won the Republican nomination for governor in Tennessee, NBC News projects, defeating fellow Republican Rep. John Rose in a race in which President Donald Trump declined to endorse.Blackburn, 74, became the first woman to represent Tennessee in the Senate after winning her current seat in 2018, and she previously served in the House since 2003. If she wins the race for governor, she would be the first female governor.She will be a heavy favorite in the general election in the red state to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Bill Lee. Jerri Green, a member of the Memphis City Council, won the Democratic nomination.Blackburn is considered one of the most conservative members of the Senate, known for her stances on abortion and transgender rights and her criticism of China’s influence. While Trump stayed out of the race, Blackburn and Rose both leaned on his name.The Tennessee Freedom Fund, a pro-Blackburn outside group, has spent heavily to tie the senator to Trump, airing advertisements featuring clips of Trump referring to her as “an incredible person” and saying, “Fantastic job you did. We’re proud of you.” During a rally in Washington in January, Trump praised Blackburn, saying, “Unfortunately, she’s running for governor” and adding, “I’d love her not to, I begged her, ‘I said, ‘Marsha, don’t. We don’t want to lose you in the Senate.’” But The Nashville Banner reported that Trump told members of Tennessee’s congressional delegation...