Decision Desk HQ projects Marsha Blackburn wins the TN Governor Republican Primary#DecisionMade: 9:24 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/sYTHZBKqlk — Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) August 7, 2026Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn, won the Republican nomination Thursday night for Tennessee governor, defeating Tennessee GOP Rep. John Rose for the party's nomination. The senator defeated Rose 43.9% to 32.7%, while state Rep. Monty Fritts came in third with 23.3% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. But if Blackburn wins in November, Lee will select a replacement to fill the seat until the state's next general election. State Rep. Justin Pearson, the chameleon clown car who was briefly expelled from the State House over his redistricting protests, won the Democrat nomination for the seat. Pearson will face Republican State Senator and business owner Brent Taylor, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump.