Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) is reportedly considering a run for Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s (R-TN) seat in the upper chamber if she wins her gubernatorial election in November.
“We’ve got a very good, positive network throughout the state of grassroots people,” Burchett told Punchbowl News, which reported his interest in the Senate seat.
Blackburn announced in August that if she wins the November race, she would stay in her upper chamber seat until she is sworn in as governor and appoint her own successor in the Senate, as opposed to resigning right after the general election and allowing current Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) to appoint her replacement.
Burchett told the outlet that he would campaign for Senate in the next cycle even if Blackburn wins the governorship and appoints someone else to the remaining four years of her term in the upper chamber. But Blackburn has stiff-armed questions about who she could appoint to the upper chamber if she wins, leaving room for multiple politicians to express interest. Here is who is linked to the seat’s possible opening.
Tim Burchett
Burchett has served in the lower chamber since 2019, making a name for himself with his folksy humor and candid political takes as a House Freedom Caucus-aligned congressman.
He has campaigned statewide with Blackburn throughout 2026 and maintained a popular social media presence, giving his X followers a behind-the-scenes look at his campaign activities and game-day door knocking.
Burchett’s eastern Tennessee district covers Knoxville, home to the University of Tennessee. He has flexed his Rocky Top fandom throughout his time in politics, posting with Blackburn on the school’s football game day against the University of Alabama this year.
“I’m focused on being re-elected on November 3rd and continuing to serve the great folks of Tennessee’s Second Congressional District,” Burchett said in a statement. “I’ve made no bones about the fact that I would be honored to represent Tennessee in the United States Senate.”
Burchett campaign manager Thomas McAfee reiterated the congressman’s commitment to his constituents and support for Blackburn’s gubernatorial campaign.
“It would be unethical and illegal for the Congressman to discuss his interest in the seat with the Senator – he has not and will not cross that line,” McAfee said in a statement. “While it is undeniable that Tennesseans in every corner of the state support a potential Burchett Senate bid, this campaign is focused on its continued service to TN02.”
Pete Hegseth
War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also attended the Tennessee-Alabama game with Burchett in October, is also reportedly eyeing Blackburn’s Senate seat if she is elected governor.
Hegseth moved to Sumner County, Tennessee, north of Nashville, with his family in 2022 ahead of moving to Washington when President Donald Trump nominated him to head the Pentagon.
With Democrats eyeing Hegseth for a possible impeachment if they retake the majority in the House in 2027, the secretary could avoid the articles if Blackburn taps him for the upper chamber.
Chuck Fleischmann
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) also told the Tennessee Lookout that he is interested in the possible appointment from Blackburn but said he would stay in the House if he is not tapped.
“I will be honored to have that,” Fleischmann told the outlet. “I think I bring a unique skill set to the job. But if not, I’ll stay in the House as a senior appropriator.”
Fleischmann, who has served in the House since 2011, represents Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District in the eastern part of the state, including Chattanooga.
Glenn Jacobs
Former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said on the Fox News Rundown podcast in October that he would be interested in the Senate appointment.
“Obviously it’s a huge honor for me, so I would consider it very seriously,” Jacobs said.
The former mayor currently serves as Blackburn’s campaign treasurer and has been campaigning with her around the state. He also famously was a WWE star named “Kane” before he ran for political office.
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Damon Hininger
The former CEO of CoreCivic, a private prison company based in Tennessee, has also voiced interest in having Blackburn appoint him to the role.
The businessman has been a major donor to Blackburn’s gubernatorial campaign and has campaigned with Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) in his reelection bid this year.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
