First posted on Instagram · @profilopolitics
Representative Tim Burchett is seeking the appointment to Senator Marsha Blackburn's Senate seat if Blackburn wins Tennessee's governor's race, Punchbowl News reported on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Burchett, a Republican who represents Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District, has told allies he wants the appointment, according to the report. If he is not appointed, Punchbowl reported, Burchett is "absolutely" prepared to campaign against whoever is appointed, ahead of an open contest for the seat in 2028.
Burchett has previously confirmed his interest in the seat himself. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, he said: "If I were given that opportunity, I would take it." He added that his current focus remained serving his congressional district.
Blackburn, a Republican senator first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2024, is the party's nominee for Tennessee governor, with the election on November 3, 2026. If she wins and leaves the Senate, her seat would fall vacant. Under Tennessee law, the governor fills a Senate vacancy by appointment until the next regularly scheduled election.
Who makes that appointment depends on timing. Blackburn has publicly said she intends to appoint her own successor, according to the Ellis Insight's October 22 analysis, which named Burchett as the most frequently mentioned potential appointee. If Blackburn resigned before taking office as governor, the appointment would fall to the current governor, Bill Lee; if she resigned after being sworn in as governor, she would choose her successor, Knox News has reported.
Burchett is not the only Republican interested in the seat. Representative Andy Ogles has also said he would consider a bid, and Puck has reported that Burchett has spent time campaigning for Blackburn in every county in Tennessee, according to a person familiar with his intentions. The Ellis Insight also named Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and former CoreCivic chief executive Damon Hininger among the potential appointees discussed.
Blackburn has not publicly announced whom she would appoint. The seat would only become vacant if she wins the governor's race.