The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) announced its endorsement and highest “A+” rating for U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election.
In its endorsement statement, NRA-PVF Chairman John Commerford said Blackburn’s record in Washington demonstrated consistent support for Second Amendment issues and gun owners.
🚨 The NRA Political Victory Fund is proud to endorse @VoteMarsha for Governor of Tennessee!
With an A+ rating, Marsha has been an excellent defender of gun rights in the Senate. We're confident that she will continue to fight for constitutional rights in the Volunteer State! pic.twitter.com/fcHViyNFxm
— NRA (@NRA) July 14, 2026
Commerford cited Blackburn’s support for several gun-related measures, including the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, and the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act.
“You have proven yourself to be a supporter of the Second Amendment by cosponsoring and voting to advance critical legislation that benefits law-abiding gun owners,” Commerford wrote to Blackburn. “Our members will interpret your ‘A+’ rating and endorsement as being a solid pro-gun/pro-hunting candidate who is a staunch defender of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.”
Reacting to the endorsement, Blackburn said, “As a gun owner myself, I firmly believe that the Second Amendment is one of our most important freedoms, and as your governor, I will always protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding Tennesseans to bear arms.”
As a gun owner myself, I firmly believe that the Second Amendment is one of our most important freedoms, and as your governor, I will always protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding Tennesseans to bear arms.@NRA endorsed for Governor ✅ pic.twitter.com/XYSc8VMWub
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) July 13, 2026
The NRA-PVF’s endorsement comes as most candidates in Tennessee’s 2026 gubernatorial primaries received ratings from the organization ahead of the August 6 election.
In the Republican primary, Blackburn received an “A+” rating and endorsement, while State Representative Monty Fritts (R-Kingston) was also listed with an “A+” rating and U.S. Representative John Rose (R-TN-06) received an “A” rating.
Among Democratic candidates, activist Carnita Atwater and Memphis City Council Member Jerri Green were listed with “F” ratings, while Tim Cyr, Adam “Ditch” Kurtz, and Kevin Lee McCants were listed without a rating designation.
The NRA-PVF says its ratings are intended to reflect the organization’s assessment of candidates’ positions on gun rights issues and are used to identify candidates it considers supportive of its Second Amendment priorities.
Early voting for the August 6 primary election begins July 17 and runs through August 1. The last day to request an absentee ballot is July 27.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Marsha Blackburn” by Marsha Blackburn.
