Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s (R-Tenn.) nascent gubernatorial bid has kicked off a shadow race for her Senate seat within the occasion she wins, with Reps. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) every eyeing the seat.
Burchett confirmed to The Hill that he would have an interest within the Senate seat if Blackburn was elected governor. CNN first reported Burchett’s curiosity within the seat.
Ogles, too, stated he would have an interest within the Senate seat.
“Definitely interested in it. I’ve expressed my interest,” Ogles advised The Hill.
Ogles joked about going up in opposition to Burchett for the place: “We’ll probably do some sort of steer wrestling or something like that.”
The shadow race kicked off simply hours after Blackburn formally introduced her gubernatorial bid Wednesday.
Tennessee legislation dictates that within the occasion of a U.S. Senate emptiness, a successor can be elected within the subsequent common November election to satisfy the rest of the time period. But when the emptiness “will deprive the state of its full representation at any time congress may be in session,” the governor has the flexibility to nominate a successor till the particular election is held.
Meaning Blackburn, who was reelected to a six-year time period in 2024, might probably appoint her personal successor if she wins the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Burchett stated she has not talked to Blackburn about his curiosity, however famous his lengthy relationship along with her.
“We sat beside each other in the state Senate. Literally, she was on my right hand, I was on her left. We’ve had a great friendship,” Burchett stated.
However that timeline relies on when Blackburn would resign her Senate seat if she wins the Aug. 6, 2026, Republican gubernatorial main, which might put her on observe to win the seat. If she resigned earlier than being sworn in as governor, present Republican Gov. Invoice Lee (R) might have the facility to nominate a brief substitute.
Blackburn additionally doesn’t but have the nomination locked up. She’s going to face Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.), who introduced his bid for governor in March, within the Republican main.
Tennessee is a Republican stronghold that Trump received by practically 40 factors in 2024, and it’s practically sure that the following governor and senator within the state if Blackburn leaves the workplace can be Republicans.
