Senator Marsha Blackburn has not seen any decline in her consistent lead in polls measuring support in the GOP primary for Governor over the past several months. The Beacon Poll, a statewide survey of 1,200 registered Tennessee voters, released this week shows Blackburn leading Congressman John Rose and State Rep. Monty Fritts with a support of 63% of Republican voters. Rose polled 10% with Fritts at 5%. 22% remain undecided, according to the poll.
The poll only surveyed 529 registered republicans, a small sample size, and it is unusual to poll registered voters versus likely voters at this point in an election cycle. Blackburn continues to rely on a huge name identification advantage over both Rose and Fritts. Rose just launched a significant media campaign intended to close that gap.The question is whether he can narrow the name ID margin quickly enough to make the race competitive.
Blackburn also benefits from a significant gender gap in the poll. She has support from 57% of male respondents, while 70% of females polled supported her. Rose had 17% support from males and only 3% from females.
The full poll can be seen here. https://www.beacontn.org/beacon-poll-may-2026-results/
Steve Gill is the editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
