U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett has made his intentions clear about Tennessee’s coming U.S. Senate vacancy, signaling that he is prepared to pursue the seat after Senator Marsha Blackburn takes office as governor.

Burchett, a Republican who represents Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District, confirmed that he is interested in the position. The seat is expected to open when Blackburn is sworn in as governor in January 2027.

Blackburn has indicated that she plans to remain in the Senate until she takes office as governor. At that point, she intends to appoint someone to replace her, putting the decision squarely in her hands.

Tennessee law provides that Blackburn’s appointee will serve until a special election in 2028. That election will determine who serves the remainder of the Senate term, which ends in January 2031.

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A regular election will follow in 2030 for a full term lasting six years. Burchett has positioned himself as interested in both the potential appointment and the eventual campaign before Tennessee voters.

During an appearance on Fox News, Burchett addressed whether he would accept Blackburn’s appointment. “It’s totally up to her. I’ve prayed about it. I’d absolutely take on that role. And if not, I would absolutely run for it in two years,” Burchett said.

The congressman also said his possible candidacy has performed well in polling. He pointed to fundraising advantages that he believes would help him if he seeks a full Senate term.

Burchett congratulated Blackburn on her election and said she will be an excellent governor. His remarks kept the appointment decision where it belongs, with Blackburn, while leaving no mystery about his own willingness to serve.

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“So, you know, I think I’ve got a good shot at it. It’s totally up to her. I’ve prayed about it, I would absolutely take on that role,” Burchett said of the Senate opening.

If Blackburn selects someone else, Burchett said he would “absolutely” run for the seat in two years. That would send the decision to Tennessee voters during the special election scheduled for 2028.

BREAKING: Rep. Tim Burchett announces US SENATE candidacy for Tennessee

He's praying that Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn appoints him. If not, he'd run in 2 years THIS IS AMAZING NEWS! "It's totally up to her. I've prayed about it. I'd ABSOLUTELY take on that role. And if not, I would absolutely run for it in two years." "I'm double digits above any of them [other floated names] in polling. I raised a million dollars last quarter...and I've got a statewide network. I think I could win statewide." Blackburn gets to choose her own replacement once she's sworn in as Governor I fully support @timburchett, he'd be a force to be reckoned with in the Senate, IMMEDIATELY become top 5 nationwide, and knows his state well. This would be the right call, Governor-elect Blackburn! — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 8, 2026

The congressman’s interest is not new. In October, Burchett told Punchbowl News that he is “absolutely” going to begin campaigning for the seat regardless of whether Blackburn gives him the appointment.

Burchett pointed to his connections with voters across Tennessee as a strength for a future campaign. “We’ve got a very good, positive network throughout the state of grassroots people,” he said.

He also offered a blunt assessment of the Senate’s treatment of legislation passed by the House. “Our bills just go there to die,” Burchett remarked, giving voters a taste of the direct style he would bring to a statewide race.

In a statement to Knox News, Burchett emphasized his current responsibilities while again acknowledging his Senate ambitions. His immediate focus, he said, remains winning for the people he currently represents.

“It is a tremendous honor to represent the fine folks of Tennessee District 2 in the United States House of Representatives, and my sole focus is delivering a strong win for them on November 3. I’ve made no bones about the fact that I would be honored to serve the Great State of Tennessee in the United States Senate.”

Burchett is not the only Republican whose name has surfaced in connection with Blackburn’s appointment. Former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann have also been mentioned as possibilities.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth is not under consideration despite reports to the country, according to a person with knowledge of the selection process. Blackburn has not yet reached the January 2027 point when she plans to appoint her Senate successor.

For now, Burchett is publicly embracing either route available to him. He is prepared to accept an appointment from Blackburn, but he has also pledged to campaign for the seat if another person receives the nod.

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