Tennessee Primary Elections: Gubernatorial Nominees and Congressional District Candidates Face Off
Tennessee voters are set to cast their ballots on Thursday to select their gubernatorial nominees and candidates in newly redrawn congressional districts. Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn is running for governor, facing primary challengers U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts. On the Democratic side, five candidates are competing for a spot on the November ballot to challenge the Republican nominee in the predominantly red state.
Following a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that impacted portions of the Voting Rights Act, Tennessee lawmakers quickly redrew congressional districts, eliminating a majority-Black district in Memphis and favoring Republicans in all nine districts. The key races to watch include Blackburn's bid for governor, with Rose and Fritts as primary contenders, all emphasizing their support for former President Trump in a state he won by a significant margin in 2024.
Blackburn, who has been in the Senate since 2018, announced her gubernatorial run last year, aligning herself with Trump's policies. Rose and Fritts have also emphasized their MAGA credentials in the race. Notably, Fritts made controversial statements about banning non-Christian religions, while Blackburn and Rose have sparred over election certification and immigration policies.
The current governor, Bill Lee, is term-limited, paving the way for a new leader. If Blackburn secures the nomination and wins in November, she would become the first female governor of Tennessee. On the Democratic side, five candidates are vying for a spot on the ballot, hoping to challenge the Republican nominee in the general election.
In the newly redrawn 5th District, Rep. Andy Ogles, a Trump ally, faces a primary challenge from state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. The district, rated as "Solid R" by the Cook Political Report, has drawn attention from both parties. Ogles has faced criticism for his controversial social media posts, while Hatcher has garnered endorsements from prominent figures like Gov. Lee and former Gov. Haslam.
Meanwhile, in another district, Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen decided not to seek reelection after district boundaries were altered to favor Republicans. The district, now considered "Solid Republican," has attracted multiple candidates from both parties vying for the nomination. The Democrats' campaign arm is supporting Chaz Molder, the mayor of Columbia, in the race.
As Tennessee voters head to the polls, the outcome of these races will shape the state's political landscape and determine the candidates who will compete in the November general election.