NASCAR Hall of Famer and Franklin resident Darrell Waltrip has officially endorsed State Rep. Gino Bulso in the race for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, praising Bulso as the only true America First conservative in the race who will stand with President Donald J. Trump in Washington.
“Gino Bulso is the real deal,” Waltrip said. “He’s a man of deep Christian faith, a proven fighter for conservative values, and someone I know will never back down when it comes to supporting President Trump and his policies. Just like on the racetrack, you can tell when somebody’s got the grit and determination to win. Gino has it. Boogity, boogity, boogity — let’s send him to Congress and win this race for Tennessee.”
Waltrip’s endorsement brings high-profile momentum to Bulso’s campaign, which launched in late July and has already drawn attention for its unapologetic America First platform.
Bulso welcomed the support, calling Waltrip “a Tennessee legend who embodies faith, family, and perseverance.”
“Darrell Waltrip has always represented the best of Tennessee — a competitor who rose to the top of NASCAR, a successful businessman, and a man of strong Christian faith,” Bulso said. “I am honored by his endorsement, and I look forward to working with him and President Trump to defend our values, secure our border, and restore American greatness.”
Waltrip, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and longtime commentator for FOX Sports, previously endorsed David Fox for Nashville mayor in 2015 and Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate in 2018. In both cases, he championed candidates who shared his commitment to conservative values and protecting Tennessee traditions. His support for Bulso continues that legacy.
Bulso, an attorney and leading conservative voice in the state legislature, has passed or sponsored over a dozen laws advancing Trump-era priorities such as border enforcement, parental rights, and defending girls’ sports.
The primary date for the Special Election to fill the seat vacated by Republican Congressman Mark Green is October 7. The General Election date is December 2. Early voting in the primary begins in less than four weeks.
