LEBANON, Tenn. — On Thursday, Republican U.S. Representative John Rose declared his intention to run for governor of Tennessee in 2026. This announcement sets up a potential competitive race against U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, who is also expected to enter the gubernatorial race.
Rose is the initial prominent figure to enter the contest to succeed outgoing Republican Governor Bill Lee, whose terms are limited. Rose has been indicating his plans to various Republican groups throughout the state prior to this formal announcement. Although Blackburn has not yet officially announced her candidacy, her potential run, supported by her prominence as a two-time statewide elected official and a close associate of former President Donald Trump, has deterred some possible challengers. Rose, however, remains undeterred by the prospect.
“I’m a conservative outsider and a Tennessee small business owner and farmer,” stated Rose from Cookeville. “By sharing my experiences and qualifications, I hope to persuade the citizens, while other candidates present their cases, and ultimately, the people of Tennessee will make their choice.”
Surrounded by supporters and farming equipment at an agricultural center, Rose laid out specific plans during his campaign announcement. He proposed initiatives such as widening interstates and highways, ensuring all Tennesseans have access to emergency medical services within 30 minutes, and appointing a teacher as the education commissioner. Additionally, he expressed support for anti-abortion measures, gun rights, mental health services, and nuclear energy development.
Apart from being a U.S. Representative, Rose is a former state agriculture commissioner and attorney, possessing substantial personal wealth to aid in self-financing his campaign. He is currently serving his fourth term in the House, representing a dominantly Republican district comprising 19 counties, including Republican-leaning rural areas and parts of Democrat-leaning Nashville.
Since joining Congress in 2019, Rose has emphasized that he is “one of the most conservative members.” His voting record includes opposing foreign aid to Ukraine, objecting to the certification of the 2020 election results, and subsequently voting to overturn them.
Both Rose and Blackburn have expressed unwavering support for Trump in a state that has voted decisively in his favor in the last three presidential elections. Trump supported Blackburn in her Senate races in 2018 and 2024, where she encountered minimal opposition within her party. Trump’s endorsement has extended to Rose’s congressional runs as well.
Blackburn, in a statement on Thursday, positioned herself as the strongest conservative contender, framing Trump as leading America towards a “Golden Age.” She emphasized that this moment is pivotal in demonstrating the effectiveness of conservative governance as states regain control over education, regulation, healthcare, and other benefits.
Tennessee remains a conservative bastion, with Lee defeating his Democrat challenger in 2022 by a significant 32-point margin, while Trump secured the state in 2024 with nearly a 30-point lead.
Currently, four other individuals have initiated fundraising efforts for potential gubernatorial campaigns: Republican Cito Pellegra, Democrat Tim Cyr, and independents Stephen Cortney Maxwell and Manasa Reddy.
Because Blackburn was re-elected last year, her Senate seat remains secure even as she considers a governor’s race. Should she win, a Senate vacancy would arise, allowing her potentially to appoint a temporary successor as governor. Rose’s congressional position will also be up for grabs next year.
Rose, as the owner and president of Boson Software LLC, a company focused on IT training, has served as chairman of the Tennessee State Fair Association. His personal wealth is estimated between $24 million and $106 million according to a 2023 financial disclosure.
Notably, Rose gained viral attention last year when his son comically mimed and made faces on video while Rose spoke on camera opposing Trump’s felony conviction in New York.