Pictured: Phil Bredesen (left) and Marsha Blackburn
Tennessee held its primary elections Thursday, and as expected, former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen (D) will face Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN, 7th) in November.
Though Tennessee is a historically reliable Republican state, Bredesen’s cross-party appeal and statewide name recognition make him a viable challenge to Blackburn.
The two candidates will compete to replace retiring Sen. Bob Corker, who announced last September that he would not seek reelection, reaffirming his decision in February.
Corker has endorsed Blackburn in her bid to succeed him.
Pictured: David Kustoff
Republicans had been somewhat concerned that in a year of unpredictable primary outcomes, perennial candidate George Flinn (R) could defeat Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th), but the incumbent congressman managed to hold off his competition.
Flinn, a self-funded candidate, had outspent Kustoff 2-to-1 ahead of the primary Thursday, but Kustoff had an even more valuable endorsement from the president. “Congressman David Kustoff has been a champion for the Trump Agenda – I greatly appreciate his support,” Trump tweeted July 27. “David is strong on crime and borders, loves our Military, Vets and Second Amendment.”
