Former Congressman Phil Roe, who represented Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District from 2009 to 2021, has endorsed U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for Tennessee governor.
Appearing in a video alongside Blackburn, Roe noted how he served in the U.S. House at the same time as Blackburn, who served as a congresswoman from 2003 to 2019 before going on to be elected to the Senate.
“It is with great honor that I am able to endorse Marsha Blackburn for our next governor of Tennessee. We served for 10 years together in the U.S. Congress, and I saw what Marsha Blackburn did and what she was able to do,” Roe said.
Honored to have the support and endorsement of former TN-1 Congressman @DrPhilRoe! pic.twitter.com/jeZTf7U566
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) June 30, 2026
He went on to mention Blackburn’s work in the Tennessee General Assembly during the early 2000’s to stop a state income tax proposed at the time by then-Governor Don Sundquist.
“Let me tell you the most important thing: over 20 years ago, two decades ago, she stood steadfast against a state income tax, and our state is so much better for it. I know what she will do when the pressure is on her. She’ll uphold her conservative values, and I am so proud, Marsha, to endorse you as our next governor,” Roe said.
Blackburn said she was “honored” to receive Roe’s support in her bid for governor.
“Phil is a strong conservative leader who has devoted his life to serving our country. It was a pleasure to work with him to do what was best for Tennessee,” Blackburn said. “I am honored to receive his support and am ready to work to make Tennessee the best state for families and for our veterans.”
Early voting for the August 6 gubernatorial primary election begins Friday, July 17 and runs through Saturday, August 1. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Monday, July 27.
The voter registration deadline for the August 6 election is Tuesday, July 7.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
