Damon Hininger, Tim Burchett, Glenn Jacobs, Pete Hegseth

Clockwise from top left: Damon Hininger, Tim Burchett, Glenn Jacobs, Pete Hegseth

As soon as Republican Marsha Blackburn won her spot as Tennessee’s next governor, another race officially began.

Hopefuls began jockeying for position around Blackburn the day she announced her run at the seat, producing a short list that includes Tennessee’s most ambitious GOP figures eying a prized position in D.C.’s upper chamber. Blackburn is expected to resign her Senate seat moments before her Jan. 16 inauguration.

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Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs speaks at a celebration for U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn's  Republican nomination for governor at the Knoxville Convention Center, Aug. 6, 2026.
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U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett speaks at a celebration for U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn's  Republican nomination for governor at the Knoxville Convention Center, Aug. 6, 2026.

Pete Hegseth

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth salutes the crowd at the Feb. 19, 2026, National Religious Broadcasters’ Freedom 250 Celebration at Nashville's Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Damon art

Damon Hininger