NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV – story courtesy of WVLT – WOKI) – Following Marsha Blackburn’s recent announcement of running for governor, Lee said he hasn’t and won’t endorse in the governor’s race.

Lee made the comments during a groundbreaking ceremony for Barrett Manufacturing and Technology Campus in Murfreesboro, where he mentioned many things, including the Mason Facility, Byron Black’s execution, Marsha Blackburn’s run for governor, and the tunnel, and more.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Senator Marsha Blackburn officially running for TN governor
“I didn’t see what she put out,” Lee said. “I’ve been friends with Marsha for a long time, and she served as my congressman and representative in the General Assembly. I’m proud we have really good people running for governor in this state.”

About a week ago, on Aug. 6, Sen. Blackburn announced she would be running to be the next governor of Tennessee.

“In his first six months, President Trump has made historic strides in Making America Great Again, but as he sends power back to the states, he’s going to need strong conservative governors who can bring that revolution home. I’m running to serve as Tennessee’s next governor to ensure Tennessee is America’s conservative leader,” Sen. Blackburn said. “I’m ready to deliver the kind of conservative leadership that will ensure our state is America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next, and I would be honored to have your support.”

Blackburn is the senior senator in the state, representing Tennessee alongside Bill Hagerty. She was elected in 2018 and is the first woman ever to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate.

She joins John Rose and Cito Pellegra as the Republican candidates for Governor Bill Lee’s seat. Lee is currently serving his last term in office.

Several Democrats have announced they are preparing to run, including Memphis city councilmember Sherri Green, Memphis resident Carnita Atwater, musician Adam “Ditch” Kurtz, and Tim Cyr from Gallatin.

The primary vote will be held on August 6, 2026, with the election roughly two months later, on November 3.