Republican Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett signaled he would accept Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s seat if she wins the state’s gubernatorial race.
Burchett has visited 30 of the state’s 95 counties over the past few months, including stops in each of Tennessee’s three grand divisions, a campaign representative told the Daily Caller. He reportedly plans to hit many more counties before January. (RELATED: GOP Rep. Tim Burchett Suffers Broken Rib After Being Kicked By Horse)
“I have worked alongside Senator Blackburn since our days together in the state Senate, and I believe she will make a strong governor,” Burchett told the Caller. “My priority is Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District, but if there was an opportunity to serve in the U.S. Senate, I’d be honored to make that move.”
Burchett often drives back to Knoxville late at night to avoid missing district duties, the campaign representative said, adding that his internal polling remains strong across the state.
The congressman has represented the 2nd District since 2019 and previously served eight years as mayor of Knox County.
Blackburn, who entered the Senate the same year Burchett entered the House, officially launched her gubernatorial bid Wednesday. (RELATED: REP. TIM BURCHETT: Your Tax Dollars Are Going To The Taliban)
Blackburn will retain her seat until the election and, if elected governor, would appoint her own Senate replacement under Tennessee law.
The Caller reached out to her campaign for comment but did not hear back by publication.
