Rep. Diana Harshbarger Confirms Interest in Campaign for Tennessee Governor if Blackburn Does Not Run, Joining U.S. Senate

U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01) on Tuesday confirmed her interest in becoming Tennessee’s next governor, stating that she might consider a gubernatorial campaign if U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) should eventually decide against running to succeed Governor Bill Lee, who cannot seek a third term.

Harshbarger made the remarks during a Tuesday appearance on “The John Fredericks Show,” telling John Fredericks, the publisher of The Virginia Star, The Pennsylvania Star, and The Georgia Star News that she would be honored to be considered by voters for Tennessee’s governor, or among those considered to succeed Blackburn in the Senate.

“You never say never, so the answer is yes,” Blackburn told Fredericks, before telling the host that she asks God for guidance in such decisions.

She stated, “I’ve told you this before, the only reason I ran for the House of Representatives is because I had a conviction from God almighty to do that, and that’s how he’ll put you where he can use you in the best way possible. Obedience is better than sacrifice, and if he tells me to do either one, I will be right there to be obedient in that position.”

Blackburn has said she is considering launching a gubernatorial campaign, and a poll recently found the senator boasting a 60-point lead among Tennessee Republicans in a hypothetical primary race against Senator John Rose (R-TN-06), who said last year that he was contemplating running.

Harshbarger is the second candidate to suggest her entrance to the governor’s race is dependent on Blackburn’s decision, as Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said earlier this month that the senator’s decision would take him “out of the mix” of possible candidates.

Should Blackburn run for governor and win, she could have the opportunity to select her replacement in the Senate, unless she resigned in time for the selection to be made under Lee’s administration.

In response to the possibility Blackburn could select Harshbarger, the congresswoman told Fredericks, “The Senate is the most respected deliberative body in the world, so it would be an honor to be considered for that, and also for governor.”

Watch Harshbarger’s full appearance on “The John Fredericks Show”:

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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Image “Rep Diane Harshbarger” by Rep. Diane Harshbarger.