NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee Congressman John Rose (TN-06) will throw his hat in the ring for governor in 2026, becoming one of the first candidates to enter the race.
Rose reportedly made the announcement during a luncheon in Williamson County on Wednesday, Feb. 26. A source close to the Congressman told News 2 Rose is “actively making plans” toward building support for a gubernatorial bid.
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“As a conservative outside and eighth generation Tennessee farmer, he is stepping forward in the fight for America, which he firmly believes starts here at home with our bedrock Tennessee values,” the source said.
“While I’m so excited to serve and be part of implementing President Trump’s conservative vision for America, I am convinced my best days are ahead and that the best opportunity I have to serve Tennessee is in a different role. I’m going to come home at the end of this period, and I’m going to offer myself—my plan is to, I have to make that qualification—my plan is to offer myself as a candidate for governor of Tennessee,” Rose said at the Williamson County event.
Gov. Bill Lee was sworn in as the 50th governor of Tennessee in 2019. Lee, who cannot run again due to term limits, has yet to make any endorsements for his future successor.
Rose was raised in Cookeville, which is where he currently resides with his wife, Chelsea, and sons, Sam and Guy, one of whom who went viral in 2024 for making silly faces while his father gave a speech on the House floor.
According to Rose’s website, as a farmer and small business owner, his life experiences as a political outsider have led him to become “one of the most conservative members of Congress.”
The 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on Nov. 3, 2026.
