Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs recently endorsed U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn for governor, signaling his support for her potential run in 2026.
Jacobs had been laying the groundwork for his own gubernatorial campaign, but after reports suggested that he wouldn’t run if Blackburn did, he threw his full backing behind her.
Both Jacobs and Blackburn are allies of President-elect Donald Trump, sharing similar political views.
Jacobs, who is a close friend of Blackburn, is likely positioning himself for an appointment to her Senate seat if she wins the governor’s race.
Blackburn, Tennessee’s first woman elected to the U.S. Senate, would also be the first woman to serve as governor of Tennessee if elected. Jacobs had previously created a political action committee, Big Red PAC, to support his political ambitions, but it could now serve as a fundraising vehicle for Blackburn’s campaign.
While there are legal limits on direct donations, there is no cap on independent expenditures, which could play a significant role in her gubernatorial bid.
In addition to Jacobs’ endorsement, Blackburn’s campaign seems to be picking up steam, with party insiders noting her fundraising efforts and potential support.
Blackburn has had a strong political career, first elected to the Tennessee Senate in 1998, followed by her tenure in the U.S. House and Senate, where she was reelected in 2024 with overwhelming support.