Shining a light on education & government in TennesseeShining a light on education & government in TennesseeEvery endorsement in the 2026 Tennessee governor's race, tracked and categorized.
Last updated: 2026-02-07
Serving as Blackburn's campaign treasurer. Major signal of East TN establishment support.
electedWas rumored as potential candidate himself. Brings private prison industry connections and Nashville business establishment.
notableEndorsed Aug 18, 2025 via WVLT interview.
electedEndorsed Blackburn March 6, 2025 — one of her earliest congressional backers, months before her official campaign launch.
electedEndorsed Sept 16, 2025. Long-serving East TN congressman adds institutional credibility.
electedRetired from Congress in July 2025. His endorsement of Blackburn over fellow Republican Rose is a notable signal.
electedAnnounced on February 26, 2026 that he will not seek reelection, ending a nearly 50-year legislative career. Still serving as Lt. Governor through January 2027.
electedEndorsed at campaign launch Aug 6, 2025. Key figure in the income tax fight alongside Blackburn in the early 2000s.
electedEndorsed at campaign launch Aug 6, 2025. One of the most powerful voices in the state House.
electedEndorsed at campaign launch Aug 6, 2025.
electedEndorsed via X post Aug 6, 2025.
electedEndorsed at campaign launch Aug 6, 2025. Highlighted Blackburn's potential as Tennessee's first female governor.
electedIncludes House leadership (Whip Johnny Garrett, Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison, Asst. Majority Leader Mark Cochran) plus dozens of individual state reps and senators.
electedEndorsed Sept 2025. Blackburn is a seven-time winner of their Defender of Economic Freedom Award.
orgAuto-detected from Wikipedia. Verify and add context.
electedAuto-detected from Wikipedia. Verify and add context.
electedAuto-detected from Wikipedia. Verify and add context.
electedEndorsed December 5, 2025. Founded by the late Charlie Kirk, who was killed in September 2025; now led by his widow Erika Kirk. Blackburn said she was 'honored to carry the torch for freedom forward.'
orgTennessee's only Democratic congressman.
electedGreen served as statewide election lead for the organization before running.
orgAuto-detected from Wikipedia. Verify and add context.
electedAuto-detected from Wikipedia. Verify and add context.
electedAuto-detected from Wikipedia. Verify and add context.
electedAuto-detected from Wikipedia. Verify and add context.
electedAuto-detected from Wikipedia. Verify and add context.
electedRose has made his Tennessee donor base a core campaign message, contrasting with Blackburn's 22% in-state rate. No verified endorsements from elected officials as of Feb 2026.
politicalKey figures who have not yet endorsed a candidate.
The biggest endorsement in the race. On Jan. 28, 2026, Trump said Tennessee is 'lucky to get Blackburn' as governor — his strongest public signal yet, though he has not issued a formal endorsement.
Running for Senate re-election. Has not endorsed in the governor's race despite being Tennessee's other Republican senator alongside Blackburn.
Term-limited. Said Aug. 13, 2025 he will not endorse anyone in the race. His position on vouchers and education makes his endorsement complicated for any candidate.
Opted out of running for governor in Aug. 2025. Has not endorsed in the race.
In Tennessee's Republican primary, endorsements from key figures can shift the race overnight. A Trump endorsement, a Tennessee Education Association backing, or support from the state's agricultural community each signal different coalition strategies.
We categorize endorsements by type: elected officials, organizations, media, and individuals. Education-related endorsements are highlighted because they reveal which candidates are building coalitions around school policy.
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About this tracker
This tracker is produced by The Tennessee Firefly, an independent, nonpartisan news outlet covering education and government in Tennessee. We don't endorse candidates. We don't take political ads. We follow the money, the policy, and the people who shape your kids' schools. All data comes from official filings, verified reporting, and on-the-record sources. Last updated March 17, 2026.