Marsha Blackburn
Coverage of Marsha Blackburn in the Nexus archive.
- From headlines to campaign ads: how the Memphis Safe Task Force narrative went unchallenged
The author criticized local media for failing to interrogate claims about the Memphis Safe Task Force's success, even though campaign ads claimed a reduction in crime by roughly 40%. The article noted that before the Task Force arrived, violent crime was already declining and questioned whether other variables, not just the task force itself, contributed to safety improvements.
- Aug. 10: Donald Trump Endorsements; Marsha Blackburn Sued; New NDOT Director
President Donald Trump endorsed Sen. Marsha Blackburn for governor of Tennessee in the general election. The article reports on a lawsuit filed against Blackburn by an Austin Peay State University professor regarding his firing. Separately, Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced that Ryan Lynch will serve as the next Director of the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT).
- Marsha Blackburn Won a Tennessee Republican Primary Running Against Socialists
Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the gubernatorial primary election with about 43 percent of the vote, beating opponents including John Rose and Monty Fritts. Her campaign focused heavily on repeating anecdotes warning against communism and promoting conservative principles in Tennessee, leading some observers to credit her victory to name recognition rather than deep policy proposals. Furthermore, she was observed campaigning at a barbecue joint in Blountville.
- LISTEN: Marsha’s Win, Ogles’ Upset and Everything You Need to Know About Tennessee’s Primary Elections
Steven Hale, Steve Cavendish, and Sarah Grace Taylor discussed Tennessee's primary election results, covering topics such as Marsha Blackburn’s victory and Andy Ogles’ upset defeat. The discussion also included details from Sarah Grace regarding her time with the Blackburn campaign.
- State Rep. Garrett prevails in Republican primary for Tennessee’s 6th District
State Rep. Johnny Garrett won the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District, advancing to the general election after defeating former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary. Garrett's campaign involved initiatives on issues such as naturalized citizens running for office and focused heavily on transgender Tennesseans.
- Rep. John Rose concedes Tennessee governor's race, urges Republicans to back Blackburn
Congressman John Rose concluded his campaign for Tennessee governor, congratulating Marsha Blackburn on her primary victory while urging Republicans to unite behind her ahead of the general election. Speaking in Cookeville, Rose reflected on the support received from people and communities across Tennessee during the race.
- Hagerty, Bradshaw Set for 2020 Rematch in U.S. Senate Race
Memphis environmental advocate Marquita Bradshaw won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, setting up a rematch of the 2020 election when Bill Hagerty won by 27 percentage points. In contrast, Hagerty was unopposed in the Republican primary.
- Tennessee could get its first-ever female governor after historic primary results
Jerri Green won the Democratic gubernatorial primary and Marsha Blackburn secured the Republican nomination in Tennessee's recent primaries. Their joint wins mark the first time in state history that a woman is representing both major parties in the gubernatorial race. They are scheduled to face off on November 3 alongside Independent candidates.
- Blackburn Wins Republican Nomination for Tennessee Governor
Marsha Blackburn won the Republican nomination for the Tennessee Governor office. The provided information identifies her as a Senator associated with Tennessee.
- Primary showdown: Conservative firebrand Marsha Blackburn eyes governor's office in Tennessee
Sen. Marsha Blackburn is considered the frontrunner in the Republican gubernatorial primary in Tennessee, competing against John Rose and Monty Fritts. The contest takes place as a red-leaning state holds nominating elections for both state and federal offices. Other races mentioned include Bill Hagerty seeking re-election as U.S. Senator, and Andy Ogles facing Charlie Hatcher in a House battle.
- Primary showdown: Conservative firebrand Marsha Blackburn eyes governor's office in Tennessee
Conservative firebrand Sen. Marsha Blackburn is considered the frontrunner in Tennessee's Republican gubernatorial primary to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Bill Lee. Other candidates include John Rose and Monty Fritts, while five Democrats are competing for their party's nomination. Additionally, Republican Bill Hagerty seeks re-election as U.S. senator.
- What to know for Election Day
Election Day in Tennessee features political ads using AI, prompting new disclosure laws. Voters can cast ballots in new early voting locations, with a tight gubernatorial race between Marsha Blackburn, John Rose, and Monty Fritts. Polls close at 7 p.m. CT, and voters must bring ID and confirm polling locations.
- Early voting data suggests Middle Tennessee could decide Tennessee’s biggest GOP primary races
Early voting data in Tennessee shows increased Republican turnout in Middle Tennessee's suburban counties, potentially influencing the state's two major GOP primary races for governor and Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District. The shift contrasts with expectations of rural county gains, highlighting suburban areas like Nashville as pivotal in determining outcomes.
- Senate Commerce votes to advance key kids’ safety measure
The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously advanced the Kids Online Safety Act, which mandates online platforms prioritize children's safety and includes a 'duty of care' provision. The bill, led by Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal, contrasts with a separate House measure and excludes an age verification component due to lack of quorum.
- AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Tennessee’s state primary
Tennessee’s state primary features a gubernatorial race with U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. John Rose, a new congressional map reshaping Memphis districts, and competitive races for U.S. House and Senate seats. Memphis voters will select House nominees under a Republican-drawn map, and candidates in the new 9th District include state Rep. Justin Pearson and Sen. Brent Taylor.
- Tennessee governor's race polls conflict as expert urges caution over campaign-backed surveys
Tennessee's Republican gubernatorial primary features conflicting campaign polls between John Rose and Marsha Blackburn, with expert Marc Schwerdt cautioning against overinterpreting the results. Both campaigns present differing data, while Monty Fritts shows growing support despite fewer resources.
- Senate set to debate package of bills on privacy, AI and kids safety
The Senate is set to debate five bills addressing online privacy, AI, and children's safety, with the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) requiring platforms to exercise 'reasonable care' for minors' data and design. The bill, sponsored by Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal, faces opposition from some advocacy groups due to weakened provisions in the House version, while large tech companies supported earlier drafts. The markup also includes the SCREEN Act, which would require age verification for social media users.
- Rose up to $13M in self-funding, Blackburn PAC gets $250k from Anthropic in TN gov primary last days
U.S. Rep. John Rose increased his self-funding to $13 million for the Tennessee governor primary, while Marsha Blackburn's PACs raised $12 million, including a $250,000 contribution from Anthropic. Final campaign finance reports show Rose has raised $15 million and Blackburn $10.8 million, with multiple PACs and donors supporting their campaigns.
- Does Tennessee business growth matter if no one enjoys living here?
Tennessee ranks 50th in quality of life, with poor metrics in air quality, crime rates, and worker protections. Republican candidates focus on controversial campaign tactics, including anti-LGBTQ+ ads with drag queens, while the state faces declining living conditions.
- Blackburn shares unreleased poll to combat claims of Rose’s momentum in Tennessee Governor’s race
Sen. Marsha Blackburn's internal poll shows her leading the Tennessee Republican gubernatorial primary by 17 points, while an independent poll indicates a narrower gap. The conflicting results highlight shifting dynamics in the race as both candidates intensify campaign efforts.
- Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn sends cease and desist letter over political ad
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn sent a cease and desist letter regarding a political advertisement. The letter was directed at an entity referred to as 'Amer' in the content.
- Blackburn moves $4.8M from US Senate campaign account in apparent legal ‘workaround’
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn donated $4.8 million from her federal campaign account to the Club for Growth Action PAC, which later transferred nearly identical funds to the Tennessee Freedom Fund PAC to support her gubernatorial campaign. Tennessee law prohibits direct spending of federal campaign funds in state races, but the transactions appear to circumvent this restriction through intermediate PACs.
- Trump is proving that the way to better our military is to secure our supply chains
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prevent U.S. defense contractors from sourcing critical minerals from China. The administration is enhancing supply chain security through domestic production and partnerships, including a ReconCraft-Uforce agreement to produce drone boats in Oregon and Senator Marsha Blackburn's Chip EQUIP Act to secure semiconductor supply chains.
- Blackburn Shares Unreleased Poll to Combat Claims of Rose’s Momentum in Tennessee Governor’s Race
Sen. Marsha Blackburn's internal poll shows a 17-point lead in the Tennessee Republican governor's race, conflicting with a Rose-positive poll from OnMessage Public Strategies. Blackburn leads with 42%, John Rose with 25%, and Monty Fritts with 22% in her campaign's survey, while OnMessage reported Blackburn at 34.5%, Rose at 31%, and Fritts at 25.6%. Both polls surveyed 800-850 likely Republican voters with a 3.5% margin of error.
- Rose and Fritts make their case for governor as Blackburn declines interview
Congressman John Rose and State Representative Monty Fritts are seeking the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor, while U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn declined an interview and avoided debates. Rose criticized Blackburn's lack of engagement, highlighting a close race and focusing on affordability and school voucher program reforms. Fritts emphasized ending the sales tax on groceries and grassroots support.
- Tennessee’s primary election is this week. Here’s everything to know about the race for governor and Congress
Tennessee’s primary election on August 6 includes races for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House seats, and state legislative positions. Governor Bill Lee cannot run due to term limits, and Republican candidates for governor include Marsha Blackburn, John Rose, and Monty Fritts. The article outlines key races and candidate priorities.
- Tennessee’s primary election is next week. Here’s everything to know about the race for governor and Congress
Tennessee's primary election is scheduled for August 6, covering races for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House seats (districts 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9), and state Senate and House. Republican candidates for governor include Marsha Blackburn, John Rose, and Monty Fritts, each with distinct professional backgrounds and policy priorities.
- Tennessee governor candidates make bold promises, but can they deliver?
A WSMV4 investigation finds that Tennessee's Republican gubernatorial candidates — Marsha Blackburn, John Rose, and Monty Fritts — have made campaign promises on immigration, education, foreign land ownership, and religious freedom that exceed the legal authority of the governor's office. The analysis highlights that implementing these proposals would require federal action, state legislative approval, or independent board decisions.
- Tennessee early voting ends this weekend. What to know
Early voting in Tennessee’s primary election ends Saturday, with turnout expected to set a record for midterm primary early voting. The primary is likely to decide Tennessee’s next governor, as the GOP is expected to win the general election, while the race between U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Rep. John Rose shows a narrowing gap. Congressional map changes in May have shifted House race dynamics, and Nashville has added polling sites for early voting.
- Stockard on the Stump: Dark-money complaint headed to Tennessee Election Finance Registry
The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance will consider a complaint from Chip Buck, a campaign surrogate for U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, against the American Exceptionalism Institute for allegedly failing to register and using undisclosed AI in dark-money ads targeting Blackburn. The complaint, filed after the August gubernatorial primary, claims the group spent over $5,000 on ads linking Blackburn to pharmaceutical contributions, including a defamatory 'queen pharma mama' ad.
- Dueling Polls Show Rose Closing in on Blackburn in Tennessee Governor’s Race; Fritts Gaining Traction
New polls indicate Senator Marsha Blackburn's lead in the Tennessee Republican gubernatorial primary is narrowing, with Congressman John Rose and State Rep. Monty Fritts gaining ground. Blackburn's campaign disputes the results, citing conflicting internal polling showing a larger lead, while external factors like Rose's campaign spending and Blackburn's public challenges are cited as influencing the race.
- Who's funding TV ads by outside groups in Tennessee governor's race, and what do they want?
Outside groups in Tennessee's governor's race are spending millions to influence voters, with the Tennessee Freedom Fund supporting Marsha Blackburn and advocating for privatizing public schools through vouchers, while a dark-money group called the American Exceptionalism Institute is running ads attacking Blackburn without disclosing donors. The Tennessee Freedom Fund, linked to billionaire Jeff Yass and the Club for Growth, has spent $2.4 million, focusing on issues like immigration rather than school vouchers.
- Blackburn backer seeks investigation into dark-money ads against gubernatorial candidate
A campaign surrogate for Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Marsha Blackburn filed a complaint against the American Exceptionalism Institute, alleging the dark-money group failed to report expenditures on ads criticizing Blackburn as 'queen pharma mama.' The complaint claims the group exceeded a $5,000 expenditure threshold and did not comply with state campaign finance laws. The ads reference a 2016 law co-sponsored by Blackburn linked to pharmaceutical industry lobbying.
- Cruz drops plans to advance AI bills next week
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz postponed a markup of AI bills to September, shifting focus to kids' online safety legislation. The delay is due to unresolved bipartisan agreement on AI legislation, with the committee instead advancing the Kids Online Safety Act led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn.
- Comcast Pulls AI Ad After Blackburn Accuses Dark Money PAC of Defamation
Comcast withdrew an AI-generated ad accusing Senator Marsha Blackburn of accepting bribes from Big Pharma, following legal threats from her attorneys. The ad, produced by a dark-money PAC, uses AI to depict Blackburn as complicit in pharmaceutical industry corruption, prompting demands to cease distribution and potential legal action.
- Blackburn demands dark money group take down AI attack ad
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is threatening legal action against the American Exceptionalism Institute PAC for an AI-generated attack ad accusing her of accepting bribes to pass legislation. Blackburn demands the ad be removed and AI use disclosed under a new state law, as the PAC has been terminated and has not filed recent disclosures. The ad references a 2016 law Blackburn sponsored, which a joint investigation linked to the opioid epidemic.
- Kids’ safety advocates draw red lines for Senate online safety package
A coalition of 60 child safety groups urged Senate Commerce Committee leaders to prioritize robust online safety legislation requiring tech companies to mitigate known harms to children. They criticized the House's recent bill for lacking a 'duty of care' standard and called for state AI laws to remain unpreempted. Sen. Andy Kim introduced a bill modeled after a California law to ensure age-appropriate content for children.
- How Marsha Blackburn and John Rose Differ on the Issues in the Tennessee Governor’s Race
Marsha Blackburn and John Rose, Republican candidates in Tennessee's governor's race, share similar stances on issues like Second Amendment rights and immigration but differ on approaches to education, housing affordability, and regulatory policies. Blackburn advocates for expanding school vouchers and opposing government housing market intervention, while Rose supports school choice with accountability and regulating property taxes. They also diverge on corporate accountability, with Rose criticizing CoreCivic and Blackburn avoiding direct engagement.
- Candidates bank on endorsements as primary draws near
Tennessee congressional and gubernatorial candidates are receiving high-profile endorsements as the Aug. 6 primary nears. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles relies on support from President Donald Trump and other figures, while former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher gains backing from former governors and a PAC planning heavy ad spending. Candidates like Justin Pearson and Chaz Molder also secure union and political endorsements.
- We asked GOP gubernatorial candidates how they’ll handle some of TN voters’ top concerns. Here’s what they said.
Republican gubernatorial candidates Marsha Blackburn, Monty Fritts, and John Rose discussed their plans for addressing Tennessee voters' top concerns, including public education and crime. Blackburn supports school choice, Fritts opposes the school voucher program, and Rose emphasizes ensuring the program benefits lower-income families. The primary election is scheduled for August 6.