Documentary filmmaker and conservative political pundit Robby Starbuck endorsed U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in Tennessee’s Republican gubernatorial primary, calling her the candidate who would provide the conservative leadership the state needs ahead of Thursday’s election.
During an interview with Blackburn on The Robby Starbuck Show, Starbuck announced his endorsement, saying, “I want to endorse you. I think you’re going to be a great governor for the state of Tennessee. It’s a state I love immensely. This is where we’ve raised our kids, and I think Tennessee needs leadership that is even more conservative than we have had in the past that is going to have their eye on these issues. I think you’re going to do a great job.”
Honored by your support, @robbystarbuck. That's what this is about—fighting for Tennessee families and delivering results. Now, let's make Tennessee even better. #GoVoteTN pic.twitter.com/VVyB2uPKf0
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) August 3, 2026
Blackburn thanked Starbuck for his support and pointed to Tennessee’s history of defeating efforts to establish a state income tax as an example of the state’s conservative values.
“I appreciate it so much and am grateful for your endorsement and your support,” Blackburn said. “You are exactly right; killing that state income tax taught Tennesseans a lot about ourselves. We have the grit and determination to make things happen, and I think it also changed the direction and trajectory of our state.”
Earlier in the interview, Blackburn contrasted her campaign with her Republican primary opponents while outlining what she said would be the focus of her administration if elected governor.
“The reason I’m running for governor is because I love Tennessee and I love Tennesseans,” Blackburn said, adding that her campaign is centered on “faith, family, freedom, hope, and opportunity.”
She said conversations with voters across the state have shaped her campaign’s priorities, including creating jobs, growing local economies, recruiting businesses, and keeping communities safe.
“There are people that are trying to buy the office of the governor of Tennessee,” Blackburn said. “People are saying across our state, the governor’s office is not for sale to the highest bidder.”
Starbuck’s endorsement comes less than a week after world-renowned economist and former Trump adviser Dr. Arthur Laffer endorsed Blackburn’s gubernatorial campaign, praising her record on lower taxes and pro-growth economic policies.
It also follows an endorsement from personal finance expert Dave Ramsey, who cited Blackburn’s long-standing opposition to a state income tax and support for conservative fiscal policies.
Tennessee voters will choose the Republican nominee for governor in the August 6 primary.
Watch Starbuck’s full interview of Blackburn:
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Robby Starbuck” by Robby Starbuck.
Can’t figure this guy out. I guess he is looking to ingratiate with the one who will likely be the next governor. too bad.