WWE Hall of Famer Glenn Jacobs has emerged as the favorite to be appointed to Marsha Blackburn’s U.S. Senate seat following her victory in Tennessee’s gubernatorial race, with Republican operatives citing his long relationship with Blackburn and her advisers and his campaigning for her across the state.
Jacobs Emerges as Favorite for Senatorial Appointment
- Political Futures: Multiple sources consider Jacobs the favorite for the upcoming senatorial appointment, with the appointee set to serve until the 2028 special election.
- Incumbent Alignment: Jacobs is a client of Ward Baker, Blackburn’s top consultant.
- Local Transition: Jacobs left the Knox County mayor’s office on September 1, term-limited after two four-year terms.
The Path to the Senate Seat
The political environment in Tennessee shifted decisively when Marsha Blackburn defeated Democratic nominee Jerri Green in the November 3 election, capturing 45.52% of the vote compared to Green's 42.95%, as reported by WSMV. Blackburn secured her place in history as the first woman elected governor of Tennessee.
Because Blackburn retained her Senate seat throughout the gubernatorial campaign, she will formally resign from the upper chamber after her swearing-in ceremony in January. She will then appoint her own senatorial successor. That chosen candidate will occupy the seat until a special election determines the permanent officeholder in 2028.
According to reporting by The Washington Sun, multiple sources identify Jacobs as the primary choice for the vacancy. Republican insiders note his extensive campaigning across the state on behalf of Blackburn and his established relationship with her advisory team. Jacobs shares a key political advisor with Blackburn, operating as a client of Ward Baker.
Weighing the Appointee Field
While Jacobs holds front-runner status, several other prominent Tennessee Republicans remain under consideration for the senatorial vacancy. Representative Tim Burchett, who preceded Jacobs as the mayor of Knox County, has actively pursued the position. Burchett confirmed his interest directly, telling The Washington Sun, “I would love, love that opportunity.”
Additional names circulating within political circles include Representative Chuck Fleischmann and Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter, who currently leads Blackburn’s transition team. Axios initially identified Jacobs as a top candidate for the post back in September, a trajectory reinforced in May when President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Jacobs maintains a substantial political future in Tennessee.
| Candidate | Current or Recent Role | Status in Appointee Race |
|---|---|---|
| Glenn Jacobs | Former Knox County Mayor | Viewed as favorite by multiple sources |
| Tim Burchett | U.S. Representative / Former Knox County Mayor | Actively seeking the appointment |
| Chuck Fleischmann | U.S. Representative | Mentioned in mix for the seat |
| Stuart McWhorter | Deputy Governor / Transition Team Lead | Mentioned in mix for the seat |
Knox County Mayor Transitions from Wrestling Career
Jacobs concluded his executive tenure as the mayor of Knox County on September 1, reaching his term-limit after serving two four-year terms. He launched his initial campaign for the mayoral office in March 2017, won election in August 2018, and secured re-election in August 2022. Knox County encompasses Knoxville, ranking as the fourth most populated county in Tennessee.
Before his transition to electoral politics, Jacobs built a decades-long career in professional wrestling. Joining WWE in 1995, he debuted under the persona of Kane in October 1997 by interfering in the first Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker. Over his career, he captured the WWE Championship at King of the Ring in 1998, won the World Heavyweight Championship in 2010 via a Money in the Bank cash-in, and held numerous tag team titles, including a run alongside Daniel Bryan as Team Hell No. He was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Jacobs has already signaled his willingness to step into federal office. Addressing the prospect on the “Fox News Rundown” podcast, he stated, “Yeah, obviously it’s a huge honor for me, so I would consider it very seriously.” He added, “I would say that I would do it. Yes, yes, I would.”
The potential appointment follows a historical precedent of professional wrestling figures entering elected governance, most notably Jesse Ventura’s election as governor of Minnesota in 1998, alongside Linda McMahon’s prior senatorial campaigns and federal administrative appointments.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
