Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn won Thursday’s Republican primary to become the next governor of Tennessee, according to AP and Decision Desk. Blackburn defeated two challengers in the contest, Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts. She maintained a steady lead in polls leading up to the primary election. Blackburn is favored in the race, and her victory would leave her Senate seat vacant. According to Tennessee state law, the governor would appoint a successor until the 2028 general election to fill the remainder of the term.