U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) indicated that he will seek the U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee following Senator Marsha Blackburn’s election as governor.
Burchett, the Republican representative for Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District, confirmed his interest in the seat that will open when Blackburn takes office as governor. Blackburn has indicated she plans to retain her Senate seat until she is sworn in as governor in January 2027, at which point she intends to appoint a replacement.
Under Tennessee law, the appointee will serve until a special election in 2028 to fill the remainder of the term ending in January 2031. A regular election for a full six-year term will then be scheduled for 2030.
“It’s totally up to her. I’ve prayed about it. I’d absolutely take on that role. And if not, I would absolutely run for it in two years,” Burchett said when asked about the possibility during an appearance on Fox News. He added that his candidacy has polled well and pointed to fundraising advantages he holds should he seek a full term.
He went on to congratulate Blackburn and stated that she will be an excellent governor. “So, you know, I think I’ve got a good shot at it. It’s totally up to her. I’ve prayed about it, I would absolutely take on that role,” Burchett said of the Senate seat.
The congressman added that he would “absolutely” run for the seat in two years if he is not appointed.
POLL: Did You Vote Republican In The Midterms?
🚨 BREAKING: Rep. Tim Burchett announces US SENATE candidacy for Tennessee
He’s praying that Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn appoints him. If not, he’d run in 2 years 🔥
THIS IS AMAZING NEWS!
“It’s totally up to her. I’ve prayed about it. I’d ABSOLUTELY take on that role. And… pic.twitter.com/hlZaSTI17M
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 8, 2026
Burchett had expressed interest in seeking the seat in the past. Back in October, the congressman told Punchbowl News that he is “absolutely” going to start campaigning for the seat regardless of whether he receives the appointment. He added, “We’ve got a very good, positive network throughout the state of grassroots people.” He also remarked of the Senate, “Our bills just go there to die.”
In a statement to Knox News, Burchett said, “It is a tremendous honor to represent the fine folks of Tennessee District 2 in the United States House of Representatives, and my sole focus is delivering a strong win for them on November 3. I’ve made no bones about the fact that I would be honored to serve the Great State of Tennessee in the United States Senate.”
Other names that have been mentioned in connection with the appointment include former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not under consideration despite reports to the country, according to a person with knowledge of the selection process.
