The conservative Club for Growth PAC is backing U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial race.
Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh said Blackburn is a “proven leader who has dedicated her career to public service, fighting every day to protect the individual freedoms and financial well-being of Tennesseans across the state.”
Blackburn was endorsed by the Club for Growth PAC during her 2018 run for Senate, in which she defeated Democratic nominee former Governor Phil Bredesen by nearly 11 points and became the first woman to represent Tennessee in the Senate.
If Blackburn were elected governor of Tennessee, she would make history as the first woman to ever hold the office in the state.
🚨ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Club for Growth PAC is proud to endorse Marsha Blackburn for Governor of Tennessee.
Senator Blackburn is a proven conservative fighter who has consistently stood up for Tennessee values in Washington and will continue to do so as Governor of the Volunteer… https://t.co/Oy74IiuhLJ pic.twitter.com/UsGvsz0AB3
— Club for Growth (@club4growth) September 3, 2025
McIntosh cited Blackburn’s record in the Senate—highlighting her leadership on tax cuts, efforts to roll back burdensome regulations, and strong advocacy for school choice—as key reasons behind Club for Growth’s endorsement of her gubernatorial bid.
“Club for Growth PAC is proud to endorse Sen. Blackburn in this race, and we are confident she will continue to lead by example as Tennessee’s next Governor,” McIntosh said.
Blackburn said she was “honored” to be backed by Club for Growth, adding, “Just as I fought to stop a state income tax, I’ll continue working to protect Tennessee’s economy and ensure long-term success for generations to come.”
During the 2024 election cycle, Club for Growth Action and its affiliated entities raised $163 million.
Club for Growth said in the 2024 elections, candidates endorsed by the conservative group won 79 percent of their elections.
In Tennessee, Club for Growth Action said its allied School Freedom Fund invested $3.6 million in State Legislative primaries and defeated four anti-school freedom Republicans during last year’s primary cycle.
Blackburn’s opponents in the 2026 primary election, as of now, include U.S. Representative John Rose (R-TN-06) and State Representative Monty Fritts (R-Kingston).
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Marsha Blackburn” by Marsha Blackburn.
