MAGA-aligned Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) has expressed interest in potentially filling Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s (R-TN) Senate seat if she steps down.
Blackburn announced Wednesday that she is running for governor of Tennessee in 2026, a move that would require her to vacate her Senate seat if she wins. She was re-elected to the Senate just last November.
Burchett, a former Knox County mayor who secured his fourth term in Congress last year, is known for his affable and humorous presence in the House. In social media videos updating constituents on legislative matters, he’s often seen cheerfully greeting lawmakers across the aisle—including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)—as well as his Republican colleagues while descending the Capitol steps.
Burchett had also considered a run for governor, but with Sen. Marsha Blackburn entering the race, her high profile would likely eclipse his candidacy. If Blackburn wins and succeeds Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN), she would be required to appoint a temporary successor to her Senate seat ahead of a special election—and Burchett could be a contender for the appointment.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Burchett confirmed he would be interested in the Senate seat. “My focus is on the second congressional district as a congressman, and nothing takes me away from that,” he said. “I spend a lot of time going to meetings in my district. So yeah, I mean, that’s my focus, of course. But if I were given that opportunity, I would take it.”
He noted that it’s “very premature” to suggest he’s seeking an appointment to the seat, pointing out that Blackburn still needs to win both the primary and general election. Burchett declined to say whether he would consider a Senate run in 2030. “It’s very premature, but if I was asked, I would sure like that opportunity,” Burchett concluded.
