Sen. Marsha Blackburn is running for governor of Tennessee. (Getty Images)
Blackburn just won re-election for her second term in the U.S. Senate in the November 2024 cycle.
If she ran for governor and won, Blackburn would have to vacate her seat – setting up a potential power vacuum in the Volunteer State.
Tennessee law grants the governor the ability to appoint someone to fill Senate vacancies until the next regularly scheduled election.
That means that if Blackburn leaves by 2026, her successor would be tapped to serve until 2031.
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Rep. Andy Ogles said he is "absolutely" interested in the seat. (Michael M. Santiago)
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"Trump is back, America is blessed, and Tennessee – better than ever," Blackburn said in a video announcing her campaign launch on Wednesday. "I love Tennessee, I believe in Tennesseans, and I’m ready to deliver the kind of conservative leadership that will ensure our state is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.
Her candidacy sets up a high-stakes GOP primary against her congressional colleague, Rep. John Rose.
If she wins, Blackburn would be the first female governor of Tennessee.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-hopefuls-jostle-high-stakes-seat-after-blackburn-jumps-governor-race