John Rose enters Tennessee governor’s race, sets up showdown with Trump ally
John Rose, Republican US Representative (Photo: Getty Images)
Republican US Representative John Rose officially launched his campaign for Tennessee governor in 2026, potentially setting the stage for a fierce primary battle against Senator Marsha Blackburn, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump, reports AP News.
Announcing his candidacy in Lebanon, Tennessee, Rose promised substantial infrastructure improvements, including widening interstates, providing every Tennessean with access to emergency medical care within 30 minutes, appointing an experienced teacher as education commissioner, and actively supporting anti-abortion legislation, gun rights, and nuclear energy expansion.
"I’m a conservative outsider, Tennessee small business owner and farmer," Rose told supporters. "I believe my experience and ideas will persuade Tennesseans to make the right choice."
Battle for conservative voters intensifies
Rose’s announcement places him on a collision course with Blackburn, who has signaled plans to run but has yet to formally announce. Blackburn positioned herself as the strongest conservative candidate, praising Trump for ushering in America’s "Golden Age."
Earlier this week, another prominent Trump supporter, Tudor Dixon, also announced she was considering a run in 2026 in Michigan, where she’s exploring campaigns for governor or the US Senate.
The Tennessee governor’s race is shaping up to become one of the most closely watched conservative primary battles nationwide in the coming years.
