A new Beacon Center poll has some interesting results as Tennessee moves toward an intense 2026 election season. 
The new Beacon Poll shows Senator Marsha Blackburn maintaining a strong lead in the GOP Gubernatorial primary, widespread support for religion in schools, and broad approval for National Guard deployment to Memphis. It also reveals strong support for socialism by Tennessee Democrats.

A majority of Democrats in Tennessee hold a favorable view of socialism, with 54% expressing a positive view and 31% expressing a negative view. Despite Democrats’ approval, socialism is still underwater with the majority of Tennessee voters (-24%). Additionally, most Tennesseans (53%) have a positive view of capitalism as an economic system. The results are largely divided along party lines, with capitalism being popular among Republicans (+47%) and underwater among Democrats (-15%).

The favorability of socialism among Democrats is notable, and it will likely influence how Democratic candidates run to the left in their contested primaries next August. That approach could spell doom for the party in general elections if the public’s view on socialism stays on track. The first test of the embrace of socialism by a Tennessee Democrat, then facing a general election in Tennessee will come December 2 when Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps face off in the 7th District special election. Van Epps is favored in that race.

The Beacon Center also polled the Republican primary for governor. Senator Marsha Blackburn maintains a commanding lead. She currently garners 58% of the vote, holding a 49-point lead over Congressman John Rose (9%), and a 53-point lead over State Representative Monty Fritts (5%), who joined the race in September. Blackburn’s name ID and overall popularity have allowed her to maintain a strong lead. Rose recently did a $600,000 TV ad buy to close the gap. 

There has been extensive media coverage and debate surrounding President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to high-crime cities. Despite national debate, Tennesseans broadly support the move when it comes to Memphis, where crime rates have been a persistent concern for residents. A strong majority (63%) approve of deploying troops to Memphis, while only 33% disapprove. Republicans overwhelmingly support the move (+82%), while Democrats oppose it (-49%).

More details regarding the Beacon poll, including crosstabs, demographics, and other poll questions, can be found HERE. 

Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.