Tennessee U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) officially qualified as the sole Republican candidate for the August 6 primary ballot in his bid for a second term, after submitting petitions with signatures collected from all 95 Tennessee counties.
No challengers emerged before the Tuesday filing deadline, clearing Hagerty’s path directly to the November 3 general election. The incumbent is armed with strong statewide organization and an early endorsement from President Donald Trump.
“I’m honored to have the support of Tennesseans in all 95 counties and the endorsement of President Trump as I continue fighting for the greatest state in the nation,” Hagerty said.
Trump’s backing carries real weight in the Volunteer State. In 2024, he carried Tennessee with 64.2% of the vote, and recent polling puts his in-state approval around 52% — well above his national standing.
Hagerty, first elected in 2020, used Tuesday’s filing announcement to draw a sharp contrast with the Biden years.
“I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of support as I seek my second term as your United States Senator,” he said in an email to reporters. “In just one term, I experienced the stark contrast between serving during an America Last administration to now standing with President Trump during his first year back in office as we work to Make America Great Again. Together, we are rebuilding our economy, securing the southern border, and bringing common sense back to Washington.”
As of press time, the Secretary of State’s office shows 10 other qualified candidates are vying to unseat Hagerty – three are Democrats and seven are listed as independent.
Hagerty enters the race with a well-stocked war chest. According to Federal Election Commission filings, his campaign committee raised $13.8 million since the start of the 2021-2026 cycle through December 31, 2025, including roughly $8.8 million from individual donors. The committee reported $5.3 million cash on hand heading into the election year.
A win in November would also elevate Hagerty to Tennessee’s senior senator. Fellow Sen. Marsha Blackburn is running for governor in 2026, and should she prevail, Hagerty would assume the senior role and, as governor, Blackburn would appoint a new senator.
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor of The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow her on X at @christinakb.Â
