A record number of women are running for governor in November elections across the United States. More women than ever already hold the office.
Despite these gains, women still make up less than a third of the nation's governors.
Tennessee Race
Tennessee is among the states that have never elected a woman governor. Multiple women are now running for the position in 2026.
The primary election in Tennessee is scheduled for Aug. 6, and the general election is on Nov. 3.
Republican Nomination
Kelly Dittmar, director of research at the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University, stated six incumbent female governors will not return to office due to term limits or other reasons.
In Tennessee, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is running against Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.).
Pluribus News reports Marsha Blackburn is favored to secure the Republican nomination for governor in Tennessee.
Predictions and Analysis
Kent Syler, professor of political science and public policy at Middle Tennessee State University, stated there is more than a 50% chance that both party nominees for the governor's race in Tennessee will be women if Marsha Blackburn secures her nomination.
Syler noted this scenario would likely be a first for both parties if it occurs.
Other States
Four other states where no woman has previously been put forward for governor are fielding candidates this year: Georgia, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.