# Tennessee Senate vacancy appointment process

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tennessee-senate-vacancy-appointment-process
> Updated: 2026-11-07T05:17:16.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Following her election as Governor of Tennessee, Marsha Blackburn is preparing to fill her upcoming vacancy in the U.S. Senate. The appointee will serve the remainder of her term until 2028, at which point a special election will be held.

Reports indicate that Blackburn has narrowed a shortlist of potential Republican successors. Glenn Jacobs, the former mayor of Knox County and Blackburn’s campaign treasurer, has emerged as a leading contender. Other figures reportedly under consideration include U.S. Representative Tim Burchett, Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter, and U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann. While there was speculation regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth due to his proximity to Nashville, sources indicate he is not being considered for the seat.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-07: Marsha Blackburn narrows shortlist for Tennessee Senate successor

Tennessee Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn has narrowed her shortlist of potential Senate successors, with Glenn Jacobs and Tim Burchett among the leading candidates.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marsha-blackburn-narrows-shortlist-for-tennessee-senate-successor

### 2026-11-07: Glenn Jacobs reportedly a leading candidate for Tennessee Senate seat

Former WWE wrestler Glenn Jacobs, known as Kane, is reportedly a frontrunner to be appointed to the U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee following Marsha Blackburn’s transition to governor in 2027.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/glenn-jacobs-reportedly-a-leading-candidate-for-tennessee-senate-seat

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Cite as: Tennessee Senate vacancy appointment process. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tennessee-senate-vacancy-appointment-process