Blackburn’s Path to Governor Clears as Beacon Poll Shows Commanding Lead and Possible Trump Endorsement

A new poll released by the Beacon Center of Tennessee shows U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) with a 47 point lead in the 2026 Republican primary for Governor.

The poll surveyed 1,200 registered voters in Tennessee from January 11-18. The results show 56 percent of Republican primary voters supporting Blackburn in the primary. 9 percent support Congressman John Rose and 7 percent support State Representative Monty Fritts.

President Donald Trump recently praised Marsha Blackburn, and her race for Governor, thereby increasing speculation that an endorsement from the President may be imminent.

Twenty-eight percent of those polled remain undecided and just one percent of voters said they would not vote in the primary election, taking place on August 6, 2026.

The Beacon poll shows that Tennessee voters are supportive of limited-government, taxpayer relief, and have relatively consistent views across several policy issues.

The poll also underscores Tennessee’s strong support for right-to-work principles, with 82 percent of voters saying employees should be free to choose whether to join a union and pay dues, compared to just 12 percent who believe union membership and dues should be mandatory as a condition of employment.

President Donald Trump continues to enjoy strong support across Tennessee, with 53 percent of Tennessee voters approving of the job Trump is doing, while 43 percent disapprove.

To view the full January 2026 Beacon Poll go to tennsight.com/polls/january-2026/.