Tennessee GOP Faces Internal Power Struggles Ahead of 2026 Elections

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nearly two years before the next election, the Tennessee Republican Party is embroiled in a complex web of political maneuvering as influential figures jockey for power and position. The state’s GOP, long dominated by a single-party system, is now grappling with internal divisions and strategic alliances that could shape the future of Tennessee politics.

The power struggle centers on key positions, including the governorship, U.S. Senate seats, and congressional districts. Among the prominent names in the mix are U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Congressman John Rose, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, and several wealthy businessmen. The behind-the-scenes maneuvering has drawn comparisons to the 2020 election cycle, when party leaders orchestrated a similar effort to secure Hagerty’s Senate seat.

“It’s a tangled web that some insiders are weaving,” said Keel Hunt, a columnist and author on Tennessee politics. “They’re doing what they can to shape the next election cycle, often without much input from actual voters.”

Hagerty, who was appointed U.S. ambassador to Japan under the Trump administration, faced pressure to return to Tennessee and run for Senate in 2020. Despite initial reluctance, he ultimately agreed, buoyed by promises of a Trump endorsement. However, his tenure in the Senate has been marked by mixed reviews, with some early supporters expressing disappointment.

Meanwhile, Blackburn has emerged as a frontrunner for the governorship, a move that could make her the first woman in Tennessee history to hold the office. Her candidacy has sparked speculation about potential backroom deals, including rumors that Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs might be promised her Senate seat if he steps aside. Jacobs, a former WWE wrestler known as Kane, has publicly endorsed Blackburn but denied any quid pro quo arrangements.

“In fairness, Blackburn would become the first woman in Tennessee to be elected to Congress, the U.S. Senate, and governor,” Hunt noted. “But some GOP insiders are cool to the idea of her succeeding Bill Lee, which is why they’re pushing Hagerty forward.”

The political intrigue extends to other figures, including Congressman John Rose, who appears undeterred by Blackburn’s ambitions, and Ward Baker, a political consultant linked to multiple candidates. Baker’s influence has been pivotal in shaping the strategies of several hopefuls, including Hagerty, Blackburn, and Jacobs.

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, the Tennessee GOP faces a critical juncture. The outcome of these internal battles could determine not only the state’s political leadership but also its direction for years to come. With Governor Bill Lee term-limited and potential vacancies in the U.S. Senate, the stakes are high for all involved.

“Whenever a U.S. Senate vacancy happens, the state’s governor names the replacement,” Hunt explained. “If Blackburn and Hagerty don’t reconcile soon, a world-weary Bill Lee might have not just one but two U.S. Senate seats to fill before he finally returns to his farm.”