Tennessee
Latest Coverage
See all articles
Trump now backs Blackburn for TN gov after she won primary
Depsite no endorsement before the primary, President Donald Trump is now publicly backing U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn to be Tennessee's next governor.
"Congratulations to our Great Senator from Tennessee, Marsha Blackburn, who had a tremendous WIN for Governor last night, against a very strong and talented opponent, John Rose," Trump posted on Truth Social Aug. 7.
Blackburn had a comfortable victory over U.S. Rep. John Rose and Tennessee Rep. Monty Fritts to secure the Republican nomination Aug. 6. Blackburn will face Democratic nominee Jerri Green in the Nov. 3 general election, marking the first time two women face each other for the position.
"Marsha will decisively win, and Tennessee, under her leadership, will go on to set Records in every category," Trump said. "I know Marsha well, and she has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of the Great State of Tennessee."
Blackburn declared victory in a post on X around 8:30 p.m. election night then spoke to those in attendance at her Knoxville party.
“I am so honored, humbled, grateful to accept your Republican nomination for the office of governor. This night really does belong to the people of our great state,” she said, surrounded by family.
Blackburn is not the only person Trump endorsed the day after the election, flipping a previous endorsement.
"Congressman Andy Ogles is doing a fantastic job representing the incredible people of Tennessee's 5th Congressional District," Trump said at 11:20 a.m. Aug. 6. "Andy is a Conservative Warrior who has strong support from his Community."
Less than 24 hours later, Trump publicly backed former agriculture commissioner Charlie Hatcher, the man who defeated Ogles for the Republican nomination.
"Last night was another good night for Endorsements, 8-1, and the 1 was a person who I remained loyal to even though he had virtually no chance of winning, and was running against a Great 'Trump' Candidate, and former Agricultural Commissioner of Tennessee, named Charlie Hatcher," Trump said. "Good luck Charlie! Run tough and hard. You have my Complete and Total Endorsement!"