Sen. Marsha Blackburn closes Tennessee governor campaign as frontrunner
The gist
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn made her final campaign stop in Memphis a day before Tennessee's governor election.
She is described as the frontrunner and has declined to debate any opponent.
How it unfolded
- Aug 7, 2026Blackburn wins the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor, defeating Rep. John Rose in a race in which President Donald Trump declined to endorse.
- Sep 30, 2026Democrat Jerri Green holds an empty-podium forum in Brentwood; the crowd maxes out the 182-person occupancy limit.
- Oct 27, 2026Blackburn declines to take part in a gubernatorial forum, hosting a simultaneous Get Out the Vote rally instead; Green and independents David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston participate.