An online spat between U.S. Rep. John Rose (R-TN-06) and State Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston) unfolded this week after Rose characterized himself as the “only major candidate” in the Republican primary for Tennessee governor who was born and raised in the state.
The exchange began Tuesday when Rose posted on social media that, “As the only major candidate in the Republican primary for Governor who was born and raised in Tennessee, you can bet I will never roll over to foreign or out of state interests. It’s Tennessee First for me.”
As the only major candidate in the Republican primary for Governor who was born and raised in Tennessee, you can bet I will never roll over to foreign or out of state interests. It's Tennessee First for me.
— John Rose (@JohnRoseforTN) June 2, 2026
Fritts, who was born in Rockwood, responded to the congressman’s post by accusing Rose of accepting “foreign influence money” from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), writing, “Give it back John… and stop being afraid to debate. And [by the way], Rockwood is in TN.”
Rose later replied to Fritts’ comment on Wednesday, saying that his original post was specifically intended to distinguish himself from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), the overwhelming frontrunner in the Republican gubernatorial contest, while also asserting that Fritts does not qualify as a “major candidate” in the race.
Rep. Fritts, I meant no disrespect by pointing out that I'm the only major candidate born and raised in Tennessee. Respectfully, I purposefully stated that I am the only "major candidate" for Governor born and raised in Tennessee. I have a real path to victory and while I respect…
— John Rose (@JohnRoseforTN) June 3, 2026
“Rep. Fritts, I meant no disrespect by pointing out that I’m the only major candidate for Governor born and raised in Tennessee,” Rose wrote. “Respectfully, I purposefully stated that I am the only ‘major candidate’ for Governor born and raised in Tennessee. I have a real path to victory and while I respect your passion, your campaign is not focused on winning for Tennesseans, but about dishonestly tearing down others.”
Rose went on to launch a series of attacks against Fritts, accusing the state representative of falsely labeling him a career politician, questioning his faith, exaggerating his executive experience, and misleading voters about his own background.
The congressman also pushed back on claims that he has avoided debates, adding, “I’ll debate every Republican candidate for Governor, but I’m not participating in a sideshow that lets Marsha Blackburn off the hook.”
The exchange between Rose and Fritts comes as both men attempt to position themselves as the conservative alternative to Blackburn, who continues to dominate polling in the Republican primary.
Notably, Rose’s assertion that Fritts is not a “major candidate” comes despite recent polling showing the congressman only five percentage points ahead of the state representative in the Republican field.
A poll released last month by the Nashville-based Beacon Center of Tennessee found Blackburn with a commanding lead of 63 percent support among Republican primary voters, while Rose received 10 percent support and Fritts garnered 5 percent.
An earlier Cygnal survey released in March showed a similar dynamic, with Blackburn at 58 percent, Rose at 7 percent, and Fritts at 4 percent.
Other previous polling has consistently placed Rose and Fritts in single digits while Blackburn maintains leads approaching or exceeding 50 percentage points.
Early voting for the August 6 gubernatorial primary election begins July 17 and runs through August 1.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
