Blackburn Wins Tennessee GOP Primary for Governor

Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the Republican primary for governor of Tennessee on Thursday, defeating Rep. John Rose, The Associated Press projects.

With about two-thirds of ballots counted, Blackburn led Rose 43.8% to 32.6%, according to results compiled by the AP. Rose outperformed Blackburn in the area around his Middle Tennessee House district.

Given Tennessee's heavy Republican lean, Blackburn is considered the favorite in the November election against Democratic nominee Jerri Green. Democrats have not won a statewide race in Tennessee since 2006. Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, is barred from seeking reelection because of term limits.

Rose was the first candidate to enter the primary last year, followed by Blackburn and then state Rep. Monty Fritts. Blackburn had early momentum, although the single independent poll taken closer to primary day showed a tighter contest.

The race was expensive. Rose put $13 million of his own money into his campaign, including $4.5 million in the final weeks. Blackburn raised a total of $10.8 million.

All three candidates sought to present themselves as the most conservative option. President Trump did not endorse in the race, though Blackburn featured him heavily in her announcement video.

Rose and Fritts tried to cast Blackburn as insufficiently aligned with the president, pointing to her statement that she voted to certify the 2020 election results. Rose also highlighted his support in the House for Trump's SAVE America Act, which has not been brought to the Senate floor for debate, although Blackburn has said she supports the measure.