With Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) launching her campaign for governor of Tennessee on Wednesday, attention is shifting to what could come next for her Senate seat, and who might be best positioned to fill it if she wins.
Blackburn, who won reelection to the Senate last November, would continue serving until she’s sworn in as governor in early 2027. At that point, she would resign her Senate seat and gain the authority to appoint a temporary successor.
Under state law, that appointee would serve until the November 2028 general election, when voters would choose someone to complete the final two years of Blackburn’s term. The seat would then be up again in 2030 for a full six-year term.
That makes Tennessee’s 2026 governor’s race unusually consequential, with the winner potentially shaping the state’s Senate delegation for years. While the appointment would cover less than half of a full term, it offers an incumbent advantage that could carry through two election cycles. If elected governor, Blackburn could effectively handpick her successor, a power rarely held by sitting senators.
While Blackburn’s campaign remains focused on the governor’s race, multiple Tennessee Republicans have already expressed interest, while others are being floated as possible successors.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), who represents Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District, is widely seen as one of the top potential contenders. A pharmacist by training and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, she has closely aligned herself with Blackburn, carrying many of her companion bills in the House.
The Tennessee congresswoman has built a reputation as a disciplined, policy-driven lawmaker with close ties to the state’s conservative grassroots and a strong donor base. She can also self-fund as needed, for a financial edge in any future statewide race.
Her brand as a workhorse, combined with her long-standing relationship with Blackburn, makes her a serious player for the seat, according to a Tennessee GOP source familiar with the race.
Glenn Jacobs (“Kane”)
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, better known to wrestling fans as “Kane,” brings national name recognition and a libertarian streak that has made him a standout figure in Tennessee politics. First elected mayor in 2018, Jacobs has used his platform to champion small government and individual liberty, but his ideological distance from the MAGA base could pose a challenge if he sought a Senate appointment or campaigned in a Republican primary.
Congratulations to my man Brandon for finishing up his Masters in Public Administration! pic.twitter.com/1qDj9Wg2BV
— Kane (@KaneWWE) May 5, 2025
Still, his status as a celebrity politician, combined with a sizable online following, makes him a wild card in the mix. Jacobs would represent a highly untraditional Senate pick. His X profile flags his decades in wrestling, describing himself in his tagline as the “Big Red Machine” and someone who tweets about “Hellfire and Brimstone and tacos, pizza, and chicken wings.”
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN)
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), who represents Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District and formerly served as Knox County mayor, has confirmed his interest in a Senate appointment. In a phone interview with the Washington Examiner, Burchett said, “If I were given that opportunity, I would take it.” While he emphasized that his current focus remains on serving his congressional district, he acknowledged he’d welcome the chance to succeed Blackburn in the Senate.
Burchett is known on Capitol Hill for his offbeat, accessible persona and homespun style. Recently, he’s drawn attention for building handmade bamboo skateboards in his Tennessee barn, including one he crafted as a gift for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The congressman has gained a following for his humorous social media videos and high-profile commentary on issues like UFO disclosures.
TIM BURCHETT INTERESTED IN APPOINTMENT TO MARSHA BLACKBURN’S SENATE SEAT
Though popular in East Tennessee and well-liked across party lines, some GOP insiders question whether Burchett’s quirky persona and focus on niche subjects would translate well to the more buttoned-up environment of the United States Senate.
Other Possibilities
Some Republican strategists also point to Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton or other state-level leaders as potential contenders, especially if Blackburn looks beyond the congressional delegation. Others note that the eventual appointee could be a caretaker, someone not expected to run in 2028 or 2030. However, most agree that the political opportunity is too significant for that to be likely.
The other prominent House lawmaker to express interest so far is Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
Blackburn is seen as the overwhelming favorite in the GOP primary for governor and is expected to easily win against Rep. John Rose (R-TN), who launched his run for governor earlier this year. If she wins, Blackburn would have a rare opportunity to select her own Senate successor, potentially elevating a trusted ally and influencing Tennessee’s national representation for years to come.
David Sivak contributed to this report.