Marsha Blackburn narrows shortlist for Tennessee Senate successor

Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn has narrowed the shortlist of potential candidates to fill her upcoming vacancy in the U.S. Senate. Following her election as Governor of Tennessee, Blackburn will appoint a successor to serve the remainder of her term through 2028.

Sources close to Blackburn indicate that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not being considered for the seat, despite speculation regarding his residency near Nashville.

Other prominent Republican figures vying for the appointment include Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and U.S. Representative Tim Burchett. Jacobs, who served as Blackburn’s campaign treasurer, previously stated that accepting the appointment would be a “huge honor.”