Republicans may be down but they’re not out and they’re already plotting a return to power in the next election cycle have getting a loud-and-clear message from voters during the midterms.
Among them is Republican Rep. Tim Burchett, who is making clear that he wants Tennessee’s soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat following Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s election as governor.
Burchett, who represents Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District, said he would accept an appointment to Blackburn’s seat and intends to run for it in 2028 if someone else is selected.
“It’s totally up to her. I’ve prayed about it. I’d absolutely take on that role. And if not, I would absolutely run for it in two years,” Burchett said during a Fox News appearance.
The congressman also said he believes his statewide political network and fundraising operation would position him well for a future campaign.
“So, you know, I think I’ve got a good shot at it. It’s totally up to her. I’ve prayed about it, I would absolutely take on that role,” Burchett said.
His comments come after Blackburn won Tennessee’s gubernatorial election Tuesday.
Blackburn is currently serving her second Senate term and has indicated she intends to remain in the Senate until she is sworn in as governor in January.
That timing could allow Blackburn to appoint her own replacement once she assumes the governor’s office.
Tennessee’s next governor is scheduled to be inaugurated Jan. 17, 2027.
Under state law, the person appointed to Blackburn’s Senate seat would serve until a special election in 2028.
Voters would then choose someone to complete the remainder of Blackburn’s term, which expires in January 2031, before another regularly scheduled Senate election in 2030 determines who receives the next full six-year term.
Burchett had been positioning himself for the opportunity even before Tuesday’s election.
He told Punchbowl News in late October that he would “absolutely” begin campaigning for the Senate seat if Blackburn appointed someone else.
“We’ve got a very good, positive network throughout the state of grassroots people,” Burchett said.
Burchett also expressed frustration with the Senate’s handling of legislation passed by the Republican-controlled House.
“Our bills just go there to die,” he said.
The congressman separately confirmed his interest to The Associated Press last week.
Asked whether he wanted to be considered for Blackburn’s appointment, Burchett responded, “Absolutely. Absolutely.”
Burchett, 62, has represented the Knoxville-area 2nd District since 2019.
Before entering Congress, he served as Knox County mayor from 2010 until 2018 and previously spent 16 years in the Tennessee General Assembly.
He has built a national profile in Congress through his outspoken conservative positions, frequent media appearances and willingness to challenge Republican leadership.
Burchett was among eight House Republicans who voted with Democrats to remove Kevin McCarthy as House speaker in October 2023.
He has also become one of Congress’ most prominent advocates for greater government transparency concerning unidentified anomalous phenomena, commonly known as UFOs.
Burchett won another term in the House during Tuesday’s midterm elections.
He is not the only Tennessee Republican whose name has surfaced in connection with Blackburn’s Senate seat.
Former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who became nationally known as WWE star Kane before entering politics, has been discussed as another possible contender.
Republican Rep. Chuck Fleischmann has also previously expressed interest in serving in the Senate.
Former CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger and Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter have also been mentioned in connection with the appointment.
