U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) endorsed U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for Tennessee governor on Monday.
Burchett, who served in the Tennessee State Senate with Blackburn in the early 2000s, praised Blackburn’s work serving Tennessee throughout the years in a video endorsing her gubernatorial campaign, recounting how she led the charge against the proposed state income tax by then-Governor Don Sundquist.
Grateful to have you by my side, @timburchett!
Together, we've already accomplished so much for the people of Tennessee – and we're just getting started. https://t.co/8jZaE2C5rk
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) August 18, 2025
“Marsha and I were in the state senate together, and everybody’s heard the stories, but dadgummit, it’s the truth. When the income tax was coming down, the big boys were pushing it down our throat, and it looked like it was going to happen. I remember Marsha got on the internet, it was right after Al Gore had invented it, actually, and put the word out to the people. And she turned them out. Without Marsha Blackburn, we’d have an unconstitutional state income tax,” Burchett said.
“She is a brave woman, and I am proud to support my dear friend Marsha Blackburn for Governor of the great state of Tennessee,” he added.
Blackburn said she was “grateful” to have Burchett’s support in her bid for governor, calling him one of Tennessee’s “great conservative leaders.”
“We’ll continue to fight for our conservative values and the good people of this state; we’re just getting started,” Blackburn added.
Burchett’s support for Blackburn’s campaign comes as the congressman has expressed interest in succeeding Blackburn’s seat in the Senate if she were to win the 2026 race for Tennessee governor.
After Blackburn launched her campaign earlier this month, Burchett and U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN-05) both confirmed their interest in Blackburn’s Senate seat.
When a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant in Tennessee, the state’s governor may appoint a temporary replacement until a successor is elected in the next regular November election.
In the case Blackburn ultimately wins the 2026 gubernatorial election, she would be required to vacate her Senate seat in 2027 and appoint a temporary successor until a special election is held.
If Blackburn were to vacate her Senate seat before assuming office as governor, incumbent Governor Bill Lee would be required to choose a candidate to fill Blackburn’s seat until a special election is held.
Burchett previously served 16 years in the Tennessee General Assembly and eight years as mayor of Knox County before assuming his congressional seat in January 2019.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Image “Rep. Tim Burchett” by Rep. Tim Burchett.
My opinion of this rep just dropped about 5 notches. Someone please explain to me why Marsha (never met a camera I did not like) Blackburn is so great. I am willing to be convinced that she really is a conservative that can make things happen despite failing to get much done in Washington.