Former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs is reportedly viewed as the most likely candidate available to U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for selection to finish her term in the Senate if Tennessee voters make her the state’s next governor in November, according to Axios, which noted that President Donald Trump recently praised the former professional wrestler.
Should Blackburn win her campaign to become Tennessee’s next governor, Tennessee Code Annotated 2-16-101(a) states that her successor would be elected at the next regular November election. Tennessee’s governor is charged with appointing a temporary successor to fill the seat until the election occurs, landing Blackburn in the rare position of selecting the person to succeed her.
Since speculation began last year, names that have been floated include U.S. Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-3), and Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), as well as former CoreCivic CEO Damon Hiniger, Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter, and State House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville).
Despite the number of options, Axios reported Jacobs is now “viewed as a top candidate for the appointment,” having previously decided against launching his own gubernatorial campaign in favor of endorsing Blackburn. Since the senator launched her campaign, Jacobs has served as its treasurer.
The reporting comes shortly after Jacobs ended his career in Knox County government by successfully canceling its contract with Flock Safety, whose automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras were removed from county property after the former mayor signed his final ordinance while in office.
Jacobs said in a statement posted to X, “I wanted to leave this office the same way I came into it, fighting to protect your right to live your life, work, and raise a family unbothered by your government, and safeguarding the freedoms you entrusted me with for eight years.”
Government should work for the people, not keep tabs on them. I can think of no better way to close out my time as Mayor than standing up for the freedoms that make Knox County such a special place to call home. pic.twitter.com/W9TfV5BqCe
— Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) September 1, 2026
Before the victory over Flock cameras in Knox County, Axios noted Trump mentioned Jacobs on his Truth Social platform, where the president said Jacobs shared his endorsement of Kenny Cody for the Tennessee State House.
Trump wrote on Truth Social in May, “Glenn Jacobs has a BIG political future in Tennessee – A great guy!!!”
News that Jacobs is reportedly the “top contender” comes despite recent polling finding him in a distant second place to Burchett, who was preferred by 31.6 percent of respondents. Just 10.2 percent preferred Jacobs.
Despite the early polling advantage, Burchett recently said he was focused on the midterm elections.
“I’m humbled by the support, but my focus right now is on the folks here in TN02 and winning for them on November 3rd,” wrote Burchett in a post to X.
I’m humbled by the support, but my focus right now is on the folks here in TN02 and winning for them on November 3rd. https://t.co/9XlvZqcTaU
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) September 6, 2026
Polling released last week found Blackburn with a 21-point lead over her Democrat opponent, Memphis City Council Member Jerri Green.
Green recently earned an endorsement from the pro-illegal alien Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) Votes PAC after she promised to end Tennessee’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Glenn Jacobs” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.
