Blackburn narrows Tennessee Senate pick to four, rules out Hegseth

Key points

• Blackburn’s final shortlist includes Glenn Jacobs, Rep. Tim Burchett, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, and Deputy Gov. Stuart McWhorter.
• Sources close to Blackburn confirm Pete Hegseth is not under consideration, contradicting earlier rumors of a Trump-backed appointment.
• Glenn Jacobs, a former Knox County mayor and WWE wrestler, is considered the leading candidate due to his role as Blackburn’s campaign treasurer and strong name recognition.
• Rep. Tim Burchett has openly sought the appointment but faces potential resistance from Senate leadership due to his history of independent voting.
• The appointed senator will serve until 2028, giving the appointee an incumbent advantage in the next election.

Background

Marsha Blackburn won the Tennessee gubernatorial race in November 2026 and is set to take office on January 16, 2026. Her current Senate term ends in 2031, but she will vacate the seat to become governor. Tennessee law allows the governor to appoint a temporary replacement until voters elect a successor in 2028. Earlier speculation suggested Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might be appointed, but this was firmly rejected by Blackburn’s team and the White House. Blackburn’s narrow victory in the governor’s race and the shifting political landscape in Congress have influenced the selection process.

How outlets are covering it

The Nashville Banner and The Washington Post confirm that Hegseth is not being considered, with the Banner noting that sources close to Blackburn dismissed the idea as 'baseless speculation.' The Washington Post highlights that Hegseth faces potential impeachment and that Trump has indicated he wants Hegseth to remain at the Pentagon. NOTUS emphasizes Jacobs as the favorite, citing his close relationship with Blackburn and his ability to appeal to both establishment Republicans and working-class voters. WZTV focuses on Jacobs’ public statements, noting that he said he would 'seriously consider' the appointment if chosen. The sources agree on the four-person shortlist but differ in emphasis: The Banner and NOTUS highlight Jacobs’ advantages, while WZTV focuses on his public interest, and The Washington Post provides context on Hegseth’s political challenges. All sources agree that Blackburn has the final decision and that the appointment will be made before her January inauguration.

Why it matters

The appointment will determine who represents Tennessee in the U.S. Senate until 2028, with the appointee gaining an incumbent advantage in the next election. The choice reflects Blackburn’s political alliances and could influence future Republican strategy in Tennessee. The exclusion of Hegseth underscores the limits of federal influence on state-level appointments, while the inclusion of Jacobs highlights the role of name recognition and personal ties in political appointments. The decision may also signal how Blackburn balances party loyalty with local political dynamics.

What to watch

Blackburn is expected to announce her choice for the Senate appointment before taking office on January 16, 2026. The appointee will serve until 2028, when voters will elect a permanent senator. If Jacobs is chosen, he will need to navigate the transition from a non-elected official to a senator, while Burchett and others may continue to campaign for the 2028 election. The decision could also influence future Republican strategy in Tennessee and the broader political landscape.