Potential GOP Contenders Emerge For Seat Held By Sen. Marsha Blackburn Following Gubernatorial Bid Announcement

GOP Reps. Tim Burchett and Andy Ogles reportedly are eyeing a potential U.S. Senate run after Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) entered the state’s gubernatorial race.

GOP Senator Announces Bid For Governor

If Blackburn wins the gubernatorial election, she would vacate her seat.

Blackburn, as governor, would have the ability to appoint her temporary successor before a special election to fill the seat.

GOP Reps. Burchett, Ogles eye Senate seat amid Blackburn gubernatorial bid https://t.co/BDRznTKzuc pic.twitter.com/gH58drG4Y7

— WATE 6 On Your Side (@6News) August 6, 2025

The Hill has more:

Burchett confirmed to The Hill that he would be interested in the Senate seat if Blackburn was elected governor. CNN first reported Burchett’s interest in the seat.

Ogles, too, said he would be interested in the Senate seat.

“Definitely interested in it. I’ve expressed my interest,” Ogles told The Hill.

Ogles joked about going up against Burchett for the position: “We’ll probably do some sort of steer wrestling or something like that.”

The shadow race kicked off just hours after Blackburn officially announced her gubernatorial bid Wednesday.

Tennessee law dictates that in the event of a U.S. Senate vacancy, a successor would be elected in the next regular November election to fulfill the remainder of the term. But if the vacancy “will deprive the state of its full representation at any time congress may be in session,” the governor has the ability to appoint a successor until the special election is held.

Blackburn is looking to replace Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who is term-limited.

“It’s official! I’m running for Governor to ensure Tennessee is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next,” Blackburn announced.

“I would be honored to have your support,” she added.

“Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way. And that’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor,” Blackburn said in a campaign ad.

Watch the ad:

It’s official! I’m running for Governor to ensure Tennessee is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.

I would be honored to have your support. #TNGov pic.twitter.com/5PNN8MkTJQ

— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) August 6, 2025

Burchett and Ogles both confirmed to Fox News of their interest in potentially filling the U.S. Senate seat.

JUST IN: Both Congressmen Tim Burchett and Andy Ogles are interested in taking over the Tennessee US Senate seat likely to be vacated by Marsha Blackburn, who is running for governor, per Fox.

pic.twitter.com/sFXeLoNRX5

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 6, 2025

Fox News noted:

Both Ogles and Burchett said they would be interested in running for the seat in the 2030 election cycle if appointed to the upper chamber.

ADVERTISEMENT

But it could very well be up to Blackburn to choose her successor, depending on when she hypothetically resigned from the Senate.

Tennessee state law does not specify when she has to step down from the Senate, according to local outlet Knox News.

If the vacancy occurred before Blackburn stepped down, the decision would likely fall to term-limited Gov. Bill Lee. But Lee could leave the decision to Blackburn if she resigned after being sworn in to take his place.