BLOUNTVILLE — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Rep. John Rose both used Thursday night’s annual Reagan Day Dinner to make the case for why they should be Tennessee’s next governor.
The Sullivan County Republican Party’s fundraising event drew a crowd of state representatives, local officials and city leaders.
Blackburn and Rose delivered speeches that praised President Donald Trump and promised to push conservative policy priorities at the state level.
Rose, who represents Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District, reminded attendees that he announced in March he would not seek another term in Congress and instead would run for governor in 2026.
“I hope in the days ahead, months and weeks that you will give me a chance to make my case to you,†he told the crowd. “Now, I firmly believe the job of being governor of this state is an executive job. It requires executive experience, and that’s where I spent my life before I ran for Congress six and a half years ago.â€
He highlighted his background as a farmer, businessman and “conservative outsider,†framing his campaign around what he described as “Tennessee values.â€
“I’m looking for the hardest job I’ve ever had — helping to lead this state,†Rose said. “I believe my experience in the private sector as an entrepreneur is what qualifies me to be your next governor.â€
Rose touted his record in Washington of supporting Trump, pointing to Republican-led efforts on border security and tax cuts. He said his years in business will be the strongest preparation for serving as Tennessee’s next governor.
“I’m convinced that I’m youthful enough and I have the vision and the experience and the vitality to be a good leader,†Rose said. “If you look at all of our recent governors, particularly the most successful ones, they’ve all come from that same kind of background as entrepreneur and business leaders.
“That’s why I believe I’ve acquired the skills and I think I’m ready to go to work on day one, ready to roll up my sleeves. I’m not looking to come home to retire. I’m not looking for a trophy to put on my mantle.â€
Blackburn, who is midway through her second term in the U.S. Senate, echoed many of the same themes but emphasized the importance of returning power from Washington back to the states.
She argued that Tennessee is on track to lead the nation in conservative policymaking, especially as more responsibilities shift from federal agencies to state governments.
“Our state does not need a manager. Our state needs a leader,†Blackburn said. “Tennessee should be America’s number one conservative leader.â€
Blackburn pointed to Republican wins on border enforcement, election integrity and cutting federal funding for programs like NPR.
Blackburn said she has visited 10 counties in the last couple days and is learning what Tennessee families want. That includes, “crime down in our communities, illegal immigration stopped, and parents to have a say in their child’s education.â€
The Sullivan County Republican Party hosted the dinner at the Ron Ramsey Agriculture Center, which included a private reception and silent auction before the meal.
Before Blackburn and Rose spoke, other state officials took the stage, updating the crowd on their work and responsibilities.
State Comptroller Jason Mumpower, a Sullivan County native, reflected on being elected to the state House nearly three decades ago in the same community where Thursday’s dinner was held. He credited local voters with launching his political career.
“I know that I would not be able to serve as comptroller if first you had not taken a chance on me 29 years and 20 days ago,†Mumpower told the crowd.
Secretary of State Tre Hargett pointed to Tennessee’s repeated No. 1 national ranking in election integrity, crediting the General Assembly for passing “good laws†and stopping “bad bills.â€
He urged Republicans to prepare for 2026 by engaging their “family, friends, co-workers and even complete strangers†to vote.
“When elections are conducted honestly, Republicans have a better chance of winning,†Hargett said.
U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-1 Kingsport, spoke about Trump’s agenda and cited several wins in the past eight months, including heightened border security, fentanyl legislation and protecting women’s sports.
“These people are coming here because this is the land of the free. It’s the last bastion of freedom right here in East Tennessee,†Harshbarger said.
