Marsha Blackburn, a Republican and Williamson County resident, is running for governor of Tennessee in the Nov. 3 general election.
Blackburn won the Republican primary on Aug. 6 with 43.6% of the vote, collecting 308,322 votes and defeating John Rose and Monty Fritts, according to WSMV. She faces Democrat Jerri Green in the general election. Independent candidates include Charles Van Morgan, Dave Seeman, David Hatley, Dean Brewer, Eddie Lee Murphy, Karl Knox Smithson, L. Webb Taylor, Lauren Pinkston, Misam Abidi, Ray Brown, Robert C. Vick, Victor L. Scoggin and Wendell Jackson.
Blackburn was the first woman elected as a U.S. senator from Tennessee, according to WSMV. If elected governor, she would be the state's oldest and first female governor, the Nashville Banner reported.
Candidate information
- Age: 74
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Williamson County, Tennessee
- Education: Bachelor's degree in home economics, Mississippi State University
- Family: Married; two children; four grandchildren, per her campaign website
Experience and public service
- U.S. senator, 2019 to present
- U.S. representative, 2003 to 2018
- Tennessee state senator, 1998
- Executive director, Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, 1995
- Platform committee chair, 2024 Republican National Convention
- Co-founder, Williamson County Young Republicans
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Blackburn's campaign website and public statements. All claims are attributed to the candidate unless otherwise noted.
Taxes and spending: Blackburn said on her campaign website that she led the fight against a state income tax while serving in the Tennessee State Senate. She said she would pursue low-tax, pro-growth policies as governor and reduce regulations so more companies relocate to Tennessee. She said she would evaluate state government for ways to save taxpayer money.
Education and school choice: Blackburn said she is committed to expanding the Education Freedom Scholarship Program so every parent can choose the education that fits their child's needs, according to the Nashville Banner. She also said she would strengthen Tennessee's 529 college savings program and support vocational training through public-private partnerships.
Immigration and public safety: Blackburn said her top priority as governor would be keeping Tennesseans safe. She said she would ensure illegal immigrants know Tennessee will enforce the rule of law, according to her campaign website. She also said she would fight the flow of illegal drugs across the southern border.
At an Aug. 4 rally in Hamilton County, Blackburn said she plans to focus on deportation of unauthorized immigrants and cementing an America First agenda in Tennessee, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported.
Energy and agriculture: Blackburn said she wants to grow nuclear energy in Tennessee, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. On her campaign website, she said she is concerned by the rate at which Tennessee farmland is being developed and would work to protect farms. She said she supports a complete ban on China owning any type of land in Tennessee.
Infrastructure and broadband: Blackburn said on her campaign website that she has led the fight to bring broadband to rural communities. She said she is committed to closing the digital divide as governor. She also said she supports restructuring how federal highway projects are selected and maintained.
Endorsements
Blackburn has received endorsements from the following organizations, according to the Nashville Banner and BallotReady:
- Tennessee Chamber of Commerce
- Americans for Prosperity
- Stand With Crypto
- Value In Electing Women Political Action Committee (VIEW PAC)
- Turning Point Action
- Club for Growth
Candidate positions were drawn from Blackburn's campaign website, BallotReady questionnaire responses and news coverage. The Duck River Sentinel did not interview the candidate for this profile.
