Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn defeated Democrat Jerri Green to become Tennessee’s first female governor in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, winning with about 45.5% of the vote to Green’s 43.0%, according to unofficial returns, Epoch Times reported. Because independent candidate David Hatley took roughly 9.3%, Blackburn prevailed with a plurality rather than a majority — an unusually close margin for a state where Republican candidates typically win by wide margins.
The governor’s race was the marquee contest of the night, but it was not the only one that mattered. Republicans also kept a U.S. Senate seat, lost a long-held U.S. House district by a razor-thin margin, and saw Democrats flip at least three seats in the state House of Representatives.
Blackburn Wins the Governor’s Office on a Plurality
Blackburn, a conservative Republican who has served as a federal representative and has been a federal senator since 2018, campaigned on border security, limits on illegal immigration, energy development and conservative social policies, all positions she has long championed and aligned with former President Donald Trump, Epoch Times reported.
Green, a Memphis city council member, tried to focus voters on the cost of living, health care, public education and household economic burdens. The close result — with Green holding Blackburn below 50% — marked a departure from recent Tennessee governor’s races, where Republican candidates usually won by comfortable margins.
Hagerty Wins a Second Senate Term
Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty defeated Democrat Marquita Bradshaw to secure a second six-year term, Epoch Times reported. Hagerty, who served as U.S. ambassador to Japan during Trump’s first administration before winning his Senate seat in 2020, backs the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies and the development of coal and nuclear energy. Bradshaw, who works in environmental and social advocacy, campaigned on expanding affordable housing, improving health services and protecting natural resources. The two faced each other in 2020 as well, when Hagerty won roughly 62% to 35%.
Democrats Flip Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District by About 280 Votes
The most closely watched House race came in the 4th District, where Democrat Victoria Broderick unseated Republican incumbent Scott DesJarlais by roughly 280 votes in unofficial election-night results, Epoch Times reported. DesJarlais had represented the district since 2011 and won nearly 70% of the vote in 2024, making the loss a significant breakthrough for Democrats and a sign that the competitive map in parts of Tennessee has shifted.
Elsewhere, Republican Rep. Matt Van Epps won reelection in the 7th District with about 50.27% of the vote, and Republican state Rep. Johnny Garrett won the 6th District, succeeding John Rose, who did not seek reelection.
Democrats Gain Three State House Seats for the First Time in Eight Years
Down-ballot, Democrats flipped at least three state House seats previously held by Republicans, including districts in Knox, Montgomery and Shelby counties, according to results published by Nashville public radio station WPLN and cited by Epoch Times. That is the first time in eight years Democrats have made gains of this kind in Tennessee legislative races. Republicans, however, retain their majority in the state legislature, leaving the overall partisan balance of the chamber unchanged.
Voters Approve Bail Restrictions and Marsy’s Law
Tennessee voters also approved several constitutional amendments. Amendment 1, which received support from more than two-thirds of voters, expands judges’ authority to deny bail in certain serious criminal cases, including first- and second-degree murder, aggravated rape, terrorism offenses and other statutory serious crimes. Supporters argued the change strengthens public safety and reduces the risk posed by serious defendants awaiting trial; opponents warned it could affect defendants’ due-process rights and add pressure on local jails and the court system.
Amendment 3, known as Marsy’s Law, also passed, writing certain crime victims’ rights into the state constitution.
FAQ
Did Marsha Blackburn win a majority of the vote?
No. Unofficial returns credited her with about 45.5%, with Democrat Jerri Green at about 43.0% and independent David Hatley at roughly 9.3%, so Blackburn won with a plurality, Epoch Times reported.
How close was the 4th Congressional District race?
Democrat Victoria Broderick defeated incumbent Republican Scott DesJarlais by only about 280 votes in unofficial results — a district DesJarlais had held since 2011 and won with nearly 70% in 2024.
Did Democrats change control of the Tennessee legislature?
No. Democrats flipped at least three Republican-held state House seats, the first such gains in eight years, but Republicans still hold the majority in the state legislature, according to WPLN results cited by Epoch Times.
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