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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Blackburn Makes Her Case to Tennessee Voters
As early voting approaches in Tennessee, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, the Republican nominee for governor, is emphasizing her record and conservative values. In an exclusive interview with The Tennessee Star's Michael Patrick Leahy, Blackburn outlined her campaign message, described the differences between herself and her opponents, and addressed key issues facing Tennessee voters.
Only Conservative Republican in the Race
Blackburn stated she is the "only conservative Republican" running in the race and that her proven track record sets her apart from other contenders. "The campaign is going great; we are working hard," Blackburn said on The Michael Patrick Leahy Show. She reminded listeners, "Every vote counts, and there is only one conservative Republican in this race, only one, and it is me."
She further argued that her opponents would raise taxes and prices, potentially making the state less safe, while she can be counted on to deliver for Tennesseans. "Everybody else in the race would end up raising prices, raising your taxes, making our state less safe, and I have a track record of delivering for the people of this state," she said. "I think Tennesseans know they can count on me to deliver for them, and I’m looking forward to doing that."
Key Dates for Early Voting and Election Day
Early voting in Tennessee begins on Wednesday, October 14, and continues through Thursday, October 29. The general election is scheduled for November 3. Blackburn emphasized the importance of each vote as part of her campaign to secure the governor's seat.
Position on the Death Penalty and Tennessee Department of Correction
The interview also focused on the recent failed execution of convicted murderer Christa Pike, who survived two doses of lethal injection. Following this event, Governor Bill Lee halted the remaining executions scheduled for 2026 and accepted the resignation of former Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) Commissioner Frank Strada.
Blackburn reaffirmed her strong support for the death penalty, claiming that Tennesseans "overwhelmingly support" its enforcement. She advocated for utilizing the state's two available execution options: lethal injection or the electric chair. "You've got two options in Tennessee. You can do lethal injection or the electric chair," Blackburn said, citing her previous calls for the electric chair to be considered after Pike’s execution failed.
If elected governor, Blackburn pledged to address leadership challenges at the TDOC, emphasizing the need for capable personnel and effective leadership to carry out state-mandated executions. "I'm going to bring the leadership to the Department of Corrections to get that thing straightened out, to make certain we have good leadership and personnel at the department," she stated. She also stressed that any changes to execution protocols would be determined by the Tennessee General Assembly.
Impact on Victims' Families and Execution Delays
Blackburn argued that prolonged delays in carrying out death sentences negatively impact victims' families. She said that closure is achieved by carrying out executions after appeals are exhausted. "The way a victim’s family gets closure to this heinous crime is to see the execution carried out," she told The Tennessee Star. "Nobody wants to see these individuals living 30, 40 years on death row."
Campaign Outlook
Concluding her remarks, Blackburn encouraged Tennesseans to support her campaign as early voting begins. She stated her anticipation for the election results, saying she looks forward to celebrating a victory on November 3.
Source: tennesseestar.com.
