2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee

Summary

The 2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee took place on November 6, 2018, concurrently with other elections to the United States Senate, elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Republican Senator Bob Corker opted to retire instead of running for a third term. Republican U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn won the open seat, defeating former Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen.

2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee

← 2012 November 6, 2018 2024 →
Turnout54.46% Decrease[1] 7.4 pp
 
Nominee Marsha Blackburn Phil Bredesen
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,227,483 985,450
Percentage 54.71% 43.92%

Blackburn:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Bredesen:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Tie:      50%
     No data

U.S. senator before election

Bob Corker
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Marsha Blackburn
Republican

Early in the campaign, Bob Corker said that Blackburn's opponent, Democrat Phil Bredesen, was "a very good mayor, a very good governor, a very good businessperson", that he had "real appeal" and "crossover appeal", and that the two of them had cooperated well over the years. But Corker said he would vote for Blackburn and donate to her campaign, and questioned whether Bredesen would be able to win a Senate seat in a red state like Tennessee.[2][3] After Corker's praise for Bredesen, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned Corker that such comments could cost the Republican Party its Senate majority.[3] Shortly after Corker's comments, Trump tweeted an endorsement of Blackburn.[3]

In October 2018, Tennessean singer-songwriter Taylor Swift endorsed Bredesen. The endorsement was notable given that Swift had previously been publicly apolitical, but spoke out because Blackburn's voting record in Congress "appalled" and "terrified" her. Swift shared a link to the nonpartisan voter registration website Vote.org, which saw a significant spike in page views and new registrations. Donald Trump criticized Swift's endorsement.[4][5][6]

This election was expected to be among the most competitive Senate races in 2018, with CNN calling it the single most important Senate race in the country. Polls showed the race as close until the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh started, which many Tennesseans believed the Democratic Party handled poorly. This is believed to have mobilized Republican voters and cost Bredesen any chance of winning.[7] Bredesen also announced his support for Kavanaugh, which some believe cost him supporters.[8]

On election day, Blackburn defeated Bredesen. This was Tennessee's closest Senate race since 2006, with Blackburn winning by a 10.8% margin. The primaries took place on August 2, 2018, with Blackburn and Bredesen winning their respective party nominations.

Republican primary edit

Candidates edit

Nominee edit

Eliminated in primary edit

  • Aaron Pettigrew, truck driver[10]

Withdrawn edit

Declined edit

Speculation surrounding Senator Corker edit

On September 26, 2017, Republican Senator Bob Corker announced that he would not seek another term in 2018.[28] Many called on Corker to reverse his decision to retire.[who?] Former U.S. Representative Fincher dropped out of the race, calling on Corker to jump back in and challenge U.S. Representative Blackburn for the GOP nomination. Fincher said in a statement that the GOP should unite "behind a candidate who can win" the general election. Blackburn said she would remain in the race even if Corker reversed his decision. Amid the speculation about Corker's decision, many of Tennessee's Republican politicians, including many in the Tennessee General Assembly, reiterated their support for Blackburn.[29] Corker's chief of staff announced on February 27, 2018, that Corker would stick with his plan to retire.[30]

Endorsements edit

Polling edit

Hypothetical polling
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Marsha
Blackburn
Stephen
Fincher
Rolando
Toyos
Undecided
WPA Intelligence (R-Club for Growth) January 14–15, 2018 502 ± 4.4% 66% 13% 21%
Triton Polling & Research (R) December 12–18, 2017 1,028 ± 3.1% 58% 11% 4% 27%
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Marsha
Blackburn
Bob
Corker
Stephen
Fincher
Undecided
Ragnar Research Partners (R-AFFPA) February 14–19, 2018 926 ± 3.0% 48% 29% 23%
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC) February 13–15, 2018 400 ± 4.9% 55% 26% 19%
Victory Phones (R-SCF) February 12–13, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 49% 26% 9% 16%
WPA Intelligence (R-Club for Growth) January 14–15, 2018 502 ± 4.4% 63% 25% 12%
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Bob
Corker
Generic
Opponent
Undecided
Triton/Tennessee Star May 31 - June 5, 2018 1,007 ± 3.1% 41.6% 41.6% 17.3%

Results edit

 
Results by county:
Blackburn
  •   Blackburn—70–80%
  •   Blackburn—80–90%
  •   Blackburn—90%
Republican primary results[31]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Marsha Blackburn 613,513 84.48%
Republican Aaron Pettigrew 112,705 15.52%
Write-in 13 <0.01%
Total votes 726,231 100%

Democratic primary edit

Candidates edit

Nominee edit

Eliminated in primary edit

Withdrawn edit

  • James Mackler, attorney and veteran[33]
  • Bill Bailey, teaching assistant and retired UPS trailer mechanic[34]

Declined edit

Results edit

 
Results by county:
Bredesen
  •   Bredesen—80–90%
  •   Bredesen—>90%
Democratic primary results[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Phil Bredesen 349,718 91.51%
Democratic Gary Davis 20,170 5.28%
Democratic John Wolfe Jr. 12,269 3.21%
Total votes 382,157 100%

Independents edit

  • Dean Hill, US Army Veteran, Ex-Government, Business Owner, Realtor

General election edit

Predictions edit

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[46] Tossup October 26, 2018
Inside Elections[47] Lean R November 1, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball[48] Lean R November 5, 2018
NYT[49] Tossup November 5, 2018
Fox News[50] Lean R November 5, 2018
CNN[51] Tossup November 5, 2018
RealClearPolitics[52] Tossup November 5, 2018
Daily Kos[53] Lean R November 5, 2018
Politico[54] Lean R November 5, 2018
FiveThirtyEight[55] Likely R November 5, 2018

Debates edit

  • Complete video of debate, September 25, 2018
  • Complete video of debate, October 10, 2018

Endorsements edit

Marsha Blackburn (R)
U.S. Executive Branch officials
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
Governors
Local and statewide politicians
Individuals
Organizations
Newspapers
Phil Bredesen (D)
Former U.S. Executive Branch officials
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
Individuals
Labor unions
Organizations
Newspapers

Fundraising edit

Campaign finance reports as of Sep 30, 2018
Candidate (party) Total receipts Total disbursements Cash on hand
Marsha Blackburn (R) $11,568,094 $9,062,332 $2,505,762
Phil Bredesen (D) $14,868,198 $11,693,910 $3,174,289
Source: Federal Election Commission[135]

Polling edit

 

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Marsha
Blackburn (R)
Phil
Bredesen (D)
Other Undecided
Targoz Market Research October 28–31, 2018 480 49% 49% 2%
Emerson College October 28–30, 2018 621 ± 4.0% 52% 44% 2% 3%
FOX News October 27–30, 2018 718 LV ± 3.5% 50% 41% 3% 5%
850 RV ± 3.0% 48% 40% 3% 8%
Vox Populi Polling October 27–29, 2018 780 ± 3.5% 53% 47%
CNN/SSRS October 24–29, 2018 764 LV ± 4.3% 49% 45% 0% 3%
871 RV ± 4.0% 47% 46% 0% 4%
East Tennessee State University Archived November 5, 2018, at the Wayback Machine October 22–29, 2018 495 ± 4.4% 44% 44%
Cygnal (R) October 26–27, 2018 497 ± 4.4% 51% 45% 1% 4%
NBC News/Marist October 23–27, 2018 471 LV ± 5.7% 51% 46% 1% 3%
764 RV ± 4.4% 49% 46% 1% 3%
Vanderbilt University/SSRS October 8–13, 2018 800 ± 4.9% 43% 44% 1% 8%
Targoz Market Research October 9–12, 2018 558 LV 52% 48%
801 RV 44% 45% 11%
NYT Upshot/Siena College October 8–11, 2018 593 ± 4.2% 54% 40% 6%
Ipsos October 4–11, 2018 1,108 ± 3.4% 47% 44% 3% 6%
YouGov October 2–5, 2018 871 ± 3.6% 50% 42% 2% 6%
FOX News September 29 – October 2, 2018 666 LV ± 3.5% 48% 43% 3% 7%
806 RV ± 3.5% 47% 41% 3% 8%
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-Bredesen) September 23–25, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 45% 47%
SurveyMonkey September 9–24, 2018 1,609 ± 3.3% 42% 42% 15%
Vox Populi Polling September 16–18, 2018 567 ± 4.1% 49% 51%
CNN/SSRS September 11–15, 2018 723 LV ± 4.3% 45% 50% 0% 3%
852 RV ± 3.9% 42% 50% 0% 5%
Triton Polling & Research (R) September 10–12, 2018 1,038 ± 3.0% 48% 45% 7%
FOX News September 8–11, 2018 686 LV ± 3.5% 47% 44% 1% 8%
809 RV ± 3.5% 45% 43% 2% 9%
NBC News/Marist August 25–28, 2018 538 LV ± 5.1% 46% 48% <1% 5%
730 RV ± 4.5% 44% 48% <1% 7%
Gravis Marketing August 9–11, 2018 620 ± 3.9% 48% 44% 8%
Emerson College Archived August 18, 2018, at the Wayback Machine July 11–14, 2018 657 ± 4.1% 37% 43% 5% 17%
Public Policy Polling (D-Duty and Country PAC) July 10–11, 2018 583 ± 4.1% 41% 44% 15%
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC) July 9–11, 2018 551 ± 4.2% 38% 35% 11%
SurveyMonkey/Axios June 11 – July 2, 2018 1,010 ± 4.5% 55% 41% 4%
Public Policy Polling (D-Health Care Voter) April 30 – May 1, 2018 609 ± 4.0% 43% 46%
SurveyMonkey/Axios April 2–23, 2018 1,638 ± 4.0% 47% 48% 5%
Mason-Dixon April 17–19, 2018 625 ± 4.0% 43% 46% 11%
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-Bredesen) April 9–11, 2018 601 ± 4.0% 41% 51% 8%
Middle Tennessee State University March 22–29, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 35% 45% 17%
Public Policy Polling (D-Protect Our Care) March 15–16, 2018 1,014 ± 3.1% 41% 46% 13%
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC) February 13–15, 2018 500 ± 4.4% 44% 39% 17%
Public Opinion Strategies (R) January 26–29, 2018 45% 47% 8%
Triton Polling & Research (R) January 21–24, 2018 1,003 ± 3.1% 51% 40% 10%
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC) December 13–14 & 17, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 43% 34% 23%
Gravis Marketing December 11–12, 2017 563 ± 4.1% 40% 42% 18%
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-DSCC) October 20–22, 2017 601 ± 4.1% 41% 46% 13%
Hypothetical polling
with generic Republican and generic Democrat
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Generic
Republican
Generic
Democrat
Other Undecided
Triton Polling & Research (R) September 10–12, 2018 1,038 ± 3.0% 52% 41% 7%
Public Policy Polling (D-Protect Our Care) March 15–16, 2018 1,014 ± 3.1% 51% 41% 8%
with Bob Corker
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Bob
Corker (R)
Phil
Bredesen (D)
Undecided
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC) February 13–15, 2018 500 ± 4.4% 35% 44% 21%
with Stephen Fincher
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Stephen
Fincher (R)
Phil
Bredesen (D)
Undecided
Triton Polling & Research (R) January 21–24, 2018 1,004 ± 3.1% 38% 42% 20%
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC) December 13–14 and 17, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 30% 42% 28%
Gravis Marketing December 11–12, 2017 563 ± 4.1% 38% 42% 20%
with Clay Travis
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Marsha
Blackburn (R)
Phil
Bredesen (D)
Clay
Travis (I)
Undecided
Triton Polling & Research (R) January 21–24, 2018 1,004 ± 3.1% 48% 37% 6% 10%
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Stephen
Fincher (R)
Phil
Bredesen (D)
Clay
Travis (I)
Undecided
Triton Polling & Research (R) January 21–24, 2018 1,004 ± 3.1% 35% 39% 10% 16%
with Bob Corker and generic Democrat
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Bob
Corker (R)
Generic
Democrat
Undecided
Public Policy Polling (D-Our Lives on the Line) August 11–13, 2017 663 ± 3.6% 47% 37% 16%
with Peyton Manning
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Peyton
Manning (R)
Phil
Bredesen (D)
Undecided
Gravis Marketing December 11–12, 2017 563 ± 4.1% 44% 39% 17%

Results edit

On November 6, 2018, Blackburn defeated Bredesen in the general election, carrying all but three counties, the largest number of counties ever won in an open senate election in Tennessee.[136] Although polls began to show the race in Blackburn's favor following the Kavanaugh hearings, Blackburn won by a larger margin than all but one poll showed.

2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee[137]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Marsha Blackburn 1,227,483 54.71% -10.18%
Democratic Phil Bredesen 985,450 43.92% +13.51%
Independent Trudy Austin 9,455 0.42% N/A
Independent Dean Hill 8,717 0.39% N/A
Independent Kris L. Todd 5,084 0.23% N/A
Independent John Carico 3,398 0.15% N/A
Independent Breton Phillips 2,226 0.10% N/A
Independent Kevin Lee McCants 1,927 0.09% N/A
Total votes 2,243,740 100.00% N/A
Republican hold

By county edit

County[138] Marsha Blackburn
Republican
Phil Bredesen
Democratic
Other votes Total
votes
% # % # % #
Anderson 56.60% 14,720 41.59% 10,818 1.81% 470 26,008
Bedford 68.61% 8,942 30.15% 3,929 1.24% 162 13,033
Benton 65.86% 3,489 32.50% 1,722 1.64% 87 5,298
Bledsoe 71.34% 2,908 26.89% 1,096 1.77% 72 4,076
Blount 63.97% 29,928 34.29% 16,040 1.74% 814 46,782
Bradley 71.96% 24,433 26.59% 9,030 1.45% 491 33,954
Campbell 71.04% 7,208 26.73% 2,712 2.24% 227 10,147
Cannon 68.83% 3,198 29.72% 1,381 1.44% 67 4,646
Carroll 68.85% 6,044 29.68% 2,606 1.47% 129 8,779
Carter 74.61% 13,946 24.32% 4,547 1.07% 200 18,693
Cheatham 63.21% 9,135 35.64% 5,150 1.15% 167 14,452
Chester 72.33% 3,902 24.91% 1,344 2.76% 149 5,395
Claiborne 71.60% 6,083 26.42% 2,245 1.98% 168 8,496
Clay 64.20% 1,643 34.04% 871 1.76% 45 2,559
Cocke 72.51% 7,528 25.25% 2,621 2.24% 233 10,382
Coffee 65.28% 11,115 32.73% 5,572 1.99% 339 17,026
Crockett 66.44% 2,984 31.57% 1,418 1.99% 89 4,491
Cumberland 71.26% 16,966 26.55% 6,321 2.19% 521 23,808
Davidson 28.46% 69,338 70.65% 172,137 0.89% 2,164 243,639
Decatur 70.09% 2,718 27.85% 1,080 2.06% 80 3,878
DeKalb 65.60% 3,906 33.32% 1,984 1.08% 64 5,954
Dickson 62.66% 10,465 35.88% 5,992 1.46% 243 16,700
Dyer 72.10% 8,013 26.08% 2,898 1.83% 203 11,114
Fayette 66.02% 11,371 32.74% 5,639 1.24% 214 17,224
Fentress 74.88% 4,745 22.72% 1,440 2.40% 152 6,337
Franklin 64.49% 8,981 34.29% 4,776 1.22% 170 13,927
Gibson 64.34% 10,407 33.10% 5,353 2.56% 414 16,174
Giles 66.63% 6,403 32.07% 3,082 1.30% 125 9,610
Grainger 73.99% 5,039 24.35% 1,658 1.66% 113 6,810
Greene 72.45% 14,844 26.34% 5,398 1.21% 248 20,490
Grundy 68.84% 2,587 29.30% 1,101 1.86% 70 3,758
Hamblen 69.71% 12,134 28.56% 4,972 1.73% 301 17,407
Hamilton 50.22% 67,152 48.70% 65,119 1.08% 1,437 133,708
Hancock 74.55% 1,327 23.71% 422 1.74% 31 1,780
Hardeman 51.35% 3,869 47.25% 3,560 1.40% 106 7,535
Hardin 74.96% 6,181 23.25% 1,971 1.79% 148 8,300
Hawkins 74.74% 13,058 24.17% 4,222 1.09% 191 17,471
Haywood 40.16% 2,364 58.60% 3,449 1.24% 73 5,886
Henderson 75.30% 6,514 23.40% 2,024 1.30% 113 8,651
Henry 66.28% 7,190 32.24% 3,497 1.48% 161 10,848
Hickman 65.35% 4,563 32.74% 2,286 1.91% 133 6,982
Houston 58.85% 1,613 39.40% 1,078 1.65% 45 2,736
Humphreys 60.23% 3,549 38.42% 2,264 1.35% 79 5,892
Jackson 64.08% 2,514 34.69% 1,361 1.23% 48 3,923
Jefferson 70.96% 11,435 26.98% 4,347 2.06% 332 16,114
Johnson 76.64% 4,520 22.06% 1,301 1.30% 77 5,898
Knox 50.80% 84,407 47.71% 79,283 1.49% 2,472 166,162
Lake 64.09% 930 33.77% 490 2.14% 31 1,451
Lauderdale 56.14% 3,745 42.12% 2,810 1.74% 116 6,671
Lawrence 72.22% 9,365 26.52 3,439 1.26% 164 12,968
Lewis 69.96% 2,836 29.03% 1,177 1.01% 41 4,054
Lincoln 75.40% 7,949 23.12% 2,437 1.48% 156 10,542
Loudon 68.66% 14,834 29.49% 6,371 1.85% 400 21,605
Macon 75.11% 4,768 23.36% 1,483 1.53% 97 6,348
Madison 52.05% 17,127 46.54% 15,316 1.41% 464 32,907
Marion 63.65% 5,839 34.51% 3,166 1.84% 168 9,173
Marshall 65.16% 6,543 33.66% 3,380 1.18% 118 10,041
Maury 60.10% 19,569 38.58% 12,560 1.32% 430 32,559
McMinn 72.28% 11,434 26.06% 4,122 1.66% 263 15,819
McNairy 73.36% 6,007 24.87% 2,036 1.77% 145 8,188
Meigs 70.99% 2,694 27.40% 1,040 1.61% 61 3,795
Monroe 71.05% 10,274 26.54% 3,838 2.41% 348 14,460
Montgomery 49.98% 25,932 47.81% 24,807 2.21% 1,148 51,887
Moore 74.12% 1,856 24.40% 611 1.48% 37 2,504
Morgan 72.39% 4,083 25.46% 1,436 2.15% 121 5,640
Obion 74.46% 7,118 24.33% 2,326 1.20% 115 9,559
Overton 64.49% 4,640 34.08% 2,452 1.43% 103 7,195
Perry 67.60% 1,644 29.77% 724 2.63% 64 2,432
Pickett 70.44% 1,599 28.46% 646 1.10% 25 2,270
Polk 70.92% 4,127 27.24% 1,585 1.84% 107 5,819
Putnam 62.59% 15,230 35.96% 8,750 1.45% 353 24,333
Rhea 72.95% 6,866 25.19% 2,371 1.86% 175 9,412
Roane 65.81% 12,727 32.28% 6,242 1.91% 371 19,340
Robertson 64.30% 15,501 34.47% 8,311 1.23% 297 24,109
Rutherford 52.72% 52,254 46.10% 45,692 1.18% 1,179 99,125
Scott 76.93% 4,232 21.38% 1,176 1.69% 93 5,501
Sequatchie 71.04% 3,564 27.25% 1,367 1.71% 86 5,017
Sevier 71.60% 21,541 25.82% 7,769 2.58% 774 30,084
Shelby 33.14% 96,493 65.56% 190,885 1.30% 3,767 291,145
Smith 66.25% 4,317 32.40% 2,111 1.35% 88 6,516
Stewart 65.36% 2,938 33.19% 1,492 1.45% 65 4,495
Sullivan 71.12% 38,753 27.86% 15,183 1.02% 557 54,493
Sumner 62.68% 41,099 36.24% 23,762 1.08% 704 65,565
Tipton 69.05% 13,390 29.01% 5,625 1.94% 378 19,393
Trousdale 60.35% 1,586 38.13% 1,002 1.52% 40 2,628
Unicoi 74.19% 4,659 24.75% 1,554 1.06% 67 6,280
Union 71.52% 3,739 26.43% 1,382 2.05% 107 5,228
Van Buren 65.75% 1,451 32.22% 711 2.03% 45 2,207
Warren 61.46% 7,018 36.78% 4,200 1.76% 201 11,419
Washington 63.08% 28,514 35.94% 16,246 0.98% 441 45,201
Wayne 79.96% 3,787 19.13% 906 0.91% 43 4,736
Weakley 67.71% 6,704 30.77% 3,047 1.52% 150 9,901
White 70.98% 5,979 27.22% 2,293 1.80% 151 8,423
Williamson 58.88% 62,039 40.44% 42,611 0.68% 719 105,369
Wilson 61.84% 32,810 36.66% 19,447 1.50% 797 53,054
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ Swift's October endorsement is reported to have helped increase the youth demographic's early voting in Tennessee by 664%[124]

References edit

  1. ^ "Tennessee Voter Turnout in 2018". Tennessee Secretary of State. November 6, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  2. ^ "Corker says Democrat is ahead in race to succeed him". POLITICO. Archived from the original on April 18, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Scherer, Michael; Sullivan, Sean; Dawsey, Josh (April 19, 2018). "Razor-thin Senate majority, bloody primary fights hamstring GOP". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on April 20, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  4. ^ "Taylor Swift's Instagram Post Has Caused A Massive Spike In Voter Registration". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  5. ^ "Shake it off: Taylor Swift's political endorsement draws praise, backlash". The Tennessean. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  6. ^ Chen, Kelly (October 8, 2018). "Mike Huckabee Dismisses Taylor Swift's Political Endorsement Because '13-Year-Old Girls' Can't Vote". Archived from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2018 – via Huff Post.
  7. ^ Drucker, David M. (October 9, 2018). "Kavanaugh catapults Marsha Blackburn into lead in key Tennessee Senate race". The Washington Examiner. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  8. ^ Arkin, James; Everett, Burgess (October 11, 2018). "Volunteers bolt Bredesen over Kavanaugh support". Politico. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  9. ^ Robillard, Kevin (October 5, 2017). "Blackburn enters Tennessee Senate race, as Haslam passes". Politico. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
  10. ^ a b c Ebert, Joel (April 6, 2018). "See who's running for statewide, federal and legislative offices in Tennessee in 2018". The Tennessean. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
  11. ^ Collins, Michael (February 27, 2018). "With Bob Corker out of the running, Tennessee Senate race now shifts focus to general election". The Tennessean. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  12. ^ Poe, Ryan (November 1, 2017). "Former Memphis Dr. Rolando Toyos enters race for Corker's Senate seat". The Commercial Appeal. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  13. ^ "Larry Crim Announces U.S. Senate 2018 Race For Seat Held By Corker". The Chattanoogan. November 10, 2016.
  14. ^ McReynolds, Lindsay (March 26, 2017). "U.S. Senate candidate to rally for Trump today". Herald-Citizen. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  15. ^ Ebert, Joel; Boucher, Dave (September 14, 2017). "Conservative activist Andy Ogles launches U.S. Senate bid for seat held by Bob Corker". The Tennessean. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  16. ^ Garrison, Joey (November 15, 2017). "Republican Andy Ogles drops out of US Senate race in Tennessee". The Tennessean. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
  17. ^ "Fincher halts U.S. Senate bid, encourages Bob Corker to seek re-election". The Tennessean. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Ebert, Joel; Garrison, Joey (September 26, 2017). "Who will jump in race to replace U.S. Sen. Bob Corker? Intrigue starts with Haslam, Blackburn". The Tennessean. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  19. ^ Whetstone, Tyler (May 8, 2017). "Tim Burchett will run for office, which one is anyone's guess". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  20. ^ Whetstone, Tyler (August 2, 2017). "Tim Burchett to run for Congress". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved August 4, 2017.
  21. ^ Garrison, Joey (August 23, 2017). "Joe Carr considers Republican primary challenge against Sen. Bob Corker". The Tennessean. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  22. ^ a b Sher, Andy (September 14, 2017). "As Corker weighs third Senate term, Green and Carr seriously consider challenges". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  23. ^ a b Sher, Andy (October 6, 2017). "With Blackburn in Senate race, some Tennessee Republicans staying away". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  24. ^ Ebert, Joel; Buie, Jordan (October 5, 2017). "State Sen. Mark Green to run for congressional seat U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn is vacating". The Tennessean. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
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  56. ^ ".@MarshaBlackburn is a wonderful woman who has always been there when we have needed her. Great on the Military, Border Security and Crime. Loves and works hard for the people of Tennessee. She has my full endorsement and I will be there to campaign with her!". Twitter.
  57. ^ Mike Pence. "PROUD to support our friend @VoteMarsha for US Senate representing Tennessee. Marsha Blackburn is a rock-ribbed conservative who has been a champion of President Trump's pro-jobs, pro-military, AMERICA FIRST agenda & will be critical ally in the Senate. She has our full support!". Twitter.
  58. ^ Marsha Blackburn. ".@CondoleezzaRice is a leader for our country and our party, and I am so honored to earn her endorsement. In the Senate, I will continue to fight for our shared principles". Twitter.
  59. ^ Lamar Alexander. "I have supported Marsha Blackburn as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, and I support her again as a candidate for the United States Senate. She has served Tennesseans well. I look forward to working with her to make the Senate a more effective institution". Twitter.
  60. ^ John Boozman. "We need every #ProLife vote we can get in the Senate and @VoteMarsha has been a champion for the dignity and worth of the unborn. Appreciate her bold stand for life and I know she'll keep up the fight in the Senate. #VoteLife #VoteMarsha". Twitter.
  61. ^ Marsha Blackburn. "Thrilled to have Senator @TomCottonAR in Tennessee today to support my campaign! #TeamMarsha". Twitter.
  62. ^ Mark Zaleski and Michael Schwab. "Iowa U.S. Senator Joni Ernst campaigns with Marsha Blackburn in Nashville". The Tennessean.
  63. ^ Deb Fischer. ".@VoteMarsha is a strong voice for life. Her voice should not be silenced. We need more strong pro-life women like Marsha in the senate. #TNSen". Twitter.
  64. ^ "Graham to boost Blackburn Senate bid Sunday in Tennessee". NewsChannel5.com. October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  65. ^ David Perdue. "President @realDonaldTrump is exactly right. @VoteMarsha will be a conservative champion in the U.S. Senate". Twitter.
  66. ^ Chris Bundgaard. "Former Republican presidential candidate Sen Marco Rubio campaigns for U-S Senate candidate Rep Marsha Blackburn at Latinos For TN event @WKRN". Twitter.
  67. ^ Marsha Blackburn. "Excited to have Senator @ThomTillis and Senator @TomCottonAR in Tennessee to support my campaign. I look forward to working alongside them in the U.S. Senate to continue on the great progress we've made in our nation! #TeamMarsha". Twitter.
  68. ^ Ebert, Joel (March 28, 2018). "Marsha Blackburn picks up Diane Black's support in U.S. Senate bid". The Tennessean.
  69. ^ David Kustoff. "Starting our day at the Madison County GOP HQ Grand Opening! Im on the campaign trail today with my friend @VoteMarsha. West Tennessee needs Marsha as our next Senator!". Twitter.
  70. ^ Conradis, Brandon (June 10, 2018). "Scalise throws support behind Black, Blackburn ahead of Tennessee primary". The Hill.
  71. ^ Sher, Andy (September 24, 2018). "Former GOP rival Fincher endorses Blackburn in Senate contest". Chattanooga Times Free Press.
  72. ^ a b "Victor Ashe: Governor Bill Haslam, other big names boost Marsha Blackburn in Knox". Knoxville News Sentinel. May 14, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
  73. ^ Ebert, Joel (September 14, 2018). "Former Gov. Winfield Dunn endorses Marsha Blackburn in US Senate race". The Tennessean. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  74. ^ Capps, Andrew (April 6, 2018). "Former Governor Sundquist endorses Blackburn in Senate race". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  75. ^ Ron Ramsey. "Peaceful protesters deserve our respect. Marauding mobs do not. These agitators make no point. They promote no cause. Their only mission is disruption. They respect nothing & no one, including the victims of Pittsburgh. We will not be intimidated. We will vote. #StandWithMarsha". Twitter.
  76. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Ebert, Joel (February 21, 2018). "In U.S. Senate bid, Blackburn nets endorsements from 18 GOP state Senators". The Tennessean. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  77. ^ Jim Henry (October 24, 2018). "Marsha Blackburn will put our Tennessee values first". Knoxville News Sentinel.
  78. ^ Jack Johnson. "It's time for conservatives to rally behind @MarshaBlackburn so we can win the U.S. Senate race in November!". Twitter.
  79. ^ William Lamberth. "Now is the time for every Republican to rally behind a true conservative @MarshaBlackburn With our help, she can and will win this race in the fall. #StandWithMarsha". Twitter.
  80. ^ Randy McNally. "I've been consistently impressed by @VoteMarsha's dedication to fiscal conservatism. This dedication is needed now more than ever at the federal level. It is time for all @TNGOP to rally around @VoteMarsha for Senate". Twitter.
  81. ^ Jay Dean Reedy. "When @FortCampbell was in danger of losing 20,000 personnel, @VoteMarsha took action to secure jobs and resources for our armed forces. We can always count on Marsha to be a friend to our military! Vote early for Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate". Twitter.
  82. ^ Jason Zachary. "Now is the time for Republicans from across TN to rally behind @VoteMarsha! She is the conservative leader we can count on to represent conservative principles in the @USSenate. #StandWithMarsha". Twitter.
  83. ^ Diamond and Silk. "We support @VoteMarsha for U.S. Senator representing Tennessee. She stands up for Americans, and she supports the @POTUS and his agenda. Vote Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senator #MAGA". Twitter.
  84. ^ Flessner, Dave (October 15, 2018). "NRA campaigns for Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee's U.S. Senate race". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  85. ^ Blackburn, Marsha (October 24, 2018). ".@TheLeeGreenwood is a strong leader in Tennessee's recording industry and true American patriot. I'm grateful to have his support as I work to defend faith, family, and freedom in the U.S. Senate. #TennesseeValuespic.twitter.com/epdXv5ufXg".
  86. ^ Marsha Blackburn. "Honored to have Art Laffer's endorsement in my race for U.S. Senate. As a conservative economist and close Reagan advisor, I'm thrilled to have his advice and continued support for our campaign". Twitter.
  87. ^ Tomi Lahren. "I'm with @MarshaBlackburn 🇺🇸". Twitter.
  88. ^ Bill Lee. "Brett Kavanaugh is an excellent pick for SCOTUS. He is a strong defender of the Constitution and he deserves a swift confirmation in the Senate. This is also a reminder on the importance of keeping conservatives in the Senate like @VoteMarsha to ensure confirmation". Twitter.
  89. ^ Ronna McDaniel. "The choice is clear: Elect someone with Tennessee values, or elect someone with Chuck Schumer's. @VoteMarsha on November 6! #TNSen". Twitter.
  90. ^ Candace Owens. "On the heels of @taylorswift13 feeling the need to, as all Hollywood elitists do, use black people and minorities as pawns to brainwash people into doing their bidding— I would like come out to Tennessee and campaign for @MarshaBlackburn. Marsha, let's do this! #MAGA". Twitter.
  91. ^ Marsha Blackburn. ".@DaveRamsey has been a good friend of mine ever since we worked together to stop the massive job-killing state income tax in Tennessee. He is a brilliant economic mind, trusted counsel, and I'm honored to have his support as we work to win in November". Twitter.
  92. ^ Marsha Blackburn. ".@MichaelWSmith and his wife Debbie are dear friends of mine and strong defenders of our Tennessee values. Michael has championed faith, family, and freedom through his music and I look forward to taking these same values to the U.S. Senate". Twitter.
  93. ^ Blackburn, Marsha (October 22, 2018). "Southern hospitality & warm welcomes are true #TennesseeValues. It's an honor to have @EricTrump in West Tennessee today to support our campaign, & I look forward to working alongside #TeamTrump in the U.S. Senate to continue making America great again! #MAGA #TeamMarshapic.twitter.com/bDQEhzQEuO".
  94. ^ Blackburn, Marsha (October 22, 2018). "Phil Bredesen will go along to get along with Washington liberals every time. @AllWaltrip wants his next Senator to represent conservative values, & I'm the only one Tennesseans can count on to do that.pic.twitter.com/V6jFkeYjGK".
  95. ^ James Woods [@RealJamesWoods] (October 8, 2018). "Just for the record, everybody, @MarshaBlackburn was eleven years old when the Equal Pay Act was signed by President Kennedy. #FactsAreFriendly" (Tweet). Retrieved October 8, 2018 – via Twitter.
  96. ^ Woolery, Chuck (October 10, 2017). "I'm all for Marsha Blackburn to step into Corkers shoes".
  97. ^ Alex Isenstadt (October 10, 2017). "Citizens United endorses Blackburn in Tennessee senate race". Politico. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  98. ^ Stacy French. "Club for Growth PAC Endorses Congressman Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate". Club for Growth PAC. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  99. ^ "Maggie's List Announces 2018 National Endorsements Supporting 49 Women Candidates Running for US Congress and Statewide Executive Office". Maggie's List. May 2, 2018.
  100. ^ "Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate in Tennessee". Senate Conservatives Fund. December 1, 2017. Archived from the original on February 17, 2018.
  101. ^ "Nat'l Pro-life Group Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Senate". Susan B. Anthony List. February 13, 2018. Archived from the original on February 14, 2018.
  102. ^ Students For Trump. "We must elect @MarshaBlackburn to Senate in Tennessee. She is a terrific Congresswoman and she has our full support and endorsement!". Twitter.
  103. ^ Marsha Blackburn. "The @USChamber is a strong advocate for American businesses, and I am so honored by their endorsement". Twitter.
  104. ^ "NRA Endorses Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate". NRA-PVF. September 19, 2018. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018.
  105. ^ "ACU Endorses Marsha Blackburn". American Conservative Union. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018.
  106. ^ Elliott, Stephen (September 28, 2018). "Home builders endorse Blackburn". Nashville Post.
  107. ^ "CCAGW PAC Endorses Rep. Blackburn for U.S. Senate, Rep. Kustoff for House". CCAGW PAC. September 25, 2018.
  108. ^ "National Right to Life endorses Marsha Blackburn for Tennessee Senate, opposes Phil Bredesen". NRL News Today. July 19, 2018.
  109. ^ "Tennessee's Fraternal Order of Police endorses Blackburn in Senate race". Franklin Home Page. October 9, 2018.
  110. ^ "The Tennessee Police Benevolent Association Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Senator". Southern States PBA. October 11, 2018.
  111. ^ "Small Business Endorses Congressman Blackburn for the U.S. Senate". NFIB. October 18, 2018.
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  113. ^ "Joe Biden swoops in to give Democrat Phil Bredesen a money boost in tight Tennessee Senate race". CNBC. April 9, 2018.
  114. ^ "NV, AZ & TN-Sen: Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D) Helps These Democrats Win A Senate Majority". Daily Kos. March 30, 2018.
  115. ^ "Also, thank you to my friend, @SenDougJones, for speaking at the dinner & letting me add myself to your autograph collection. I look forward to working together in the U.S. Senate". Twitter.
  116. ^ "TX & TN-Sen: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D. OR) Wants To Flip These Senate Seats From Red To Blue". Daily Kos. August 8, 2018.
  117. ^ "TN-Sen: Sen. Ron Wyden (D. OR) Helps Former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) Flip The Senate". Daily Kos. March 29, 2018.
  118. ^ Brian Schatz. "I'm giving to @PhilBredesen please feel free to join me and send help too. Thank you". Twitter.
  119. ^ Terri Sewell. "Blue Wave! @PhilBredesen and @RepCooper making it happen in Nashville!". Twitter.
  120. ^ a b Ebert, Joel (August 9, 2018). "Jason Isbell, Ben Folds to headline Phil Bredesen fundraiser". The Tennessean.
  121. ^ WKRN Web Staff. "Former candidate James Mackler endorses Phil Bredesen for U.S. Senate". WKRN. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  122. ^ Siskind, Amy [@Amy_Siskind] (October 8, 2018). "END Mitch McConnell's reign of terror. Donate/volunteer for these close senate races: Jacky Rosen, NV Phil Bredesen, TN Claire McCaskill, MO Bill Nelson, FL Joe Donnelly, IN Heidi Heitkamp, ND Beto O'Rourke, TX Kyrsten Sinema, AZ Tammy Baldwin, WI" (Tweet). Retrieved October 20, 2018 – via Twitter.
  123. ^ "Taylor Swift breaks silence on politics, supports Democrats in Tennessee races". The Hill. October 8, 2018.
  124. ^ "Younger voters turn out big in Tennessee's early voting". The Tennessean.
  125. ^ Amy Schumer. "News". Twitter.
  126. ^ Martin O'Malley. "It's great to be in Nashville with @PhilBredesen and @KarlFDean! Tennessee is fired up and feeling that blue wave!". Twitter.
  127. ^ "AFGE Endorses Phil Bredesen for Senate". PR Newswire. October 17, 2018.
  128. ^ Shaffer, Paul (April 19, 2018). "President's Message - Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council". Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council.
  129. ^ "Tennessee – Official UAW Endorsements". uawendorsements.org. United Automobile Workers.
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  132. ^ "LCV Action Fund Endorses Phil Bredesen for Senate". League of Conservation Voters. October 4, 2018.
  133. ^ "ENDORSEMENTS". Sierra Club.
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External links edit

Official campaign websites
  • Marsha Blackburn (R) for Senate
  • Phil Bredesen (D) for Senate
  • Kris L. Todd (I) for Senate