Blackburn wins Tenn. governor's race

NASHVILLE — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., won the Tennessee gubernatorial election Tuesday night, becoming the state's first female governor. According to unofficial results, Blackburn received 45.5% of votes compared to Democratic nominee Jerri Green, who received 42.9% of votes. "I've got to tell you, I think tonight Tennessee did not just elect a governor. Tennessee chose a direction," Blackburn said in a speech following an announcement of her victory. "And they chose a future, and I am honored to lead you in that future." Blackburn spoke about her plan to cut the state budget, crack down on crime and illegal immigration and address housing affordability issues. She also vowed "with every fiber of [her] being" to fight against socialist, communist and Islamic policies. Green, a Memphis city council member, narrowly lost the gubernatorial bid by 2.6%, but outperformed expectations in the Republican stronghold of Tennessee. A Beacon Center poll taken in August shortly after the Republican primary election showed Blackburn with a 21-point advantage over Green. In Washington County, Blackburn garnered 19,430 votes to Green's 15,092. Hatley took 7,820 votes in his home county. Blackburn outperformed Green by a wider margin in Sullivan County, where she grabbed 25,660 votes to Green's 12,890. Hatley earned the third-most votes in that county, with 7,197. Independents made a bigger splash in this governor's election than they have in the last 60 years in Tennessee, according to historical data. Independent candidate and Johnson City businessman David Hatley garnered 9.3% of the vote. Meanwhile, fellow independent Lauren Pinkston received 1.3% of the vote. Blackburn leaves behind an open U.S. Senate seat as she transitions to the Tennessee governor's office. As governor, she will have the opportunity to appoint someone to the vacant seat to serve until the next election cycle in 2028. Blackburn was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018, beating Democrat and former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen for the open seat. She was a member of the Tennessee Senate from 1999 to 2003. Blackburn will take office in January 2027 once election results are certified. At 74, she will become the oldest person to be elected governor of Tennessee. U.S. SENATE Incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., won his reelection bid with 55.1% of the vote. His Democratic challenger, Marquita Bradshaw of Memphis, captured 42.9% of the vote. Unofficial results are as follows: TENNESSEE GOVERNOR Marsha Blackburn (R) - 957,136 Jerri Green (D) - 902,953 David Hatley (I) - 195,564 Lauren Pinkston (I) - 26,200 U.S. SENATE Bill Hagerty (R) – 1,138,436 Marquita Bradshaw (D) – 886,974