Political Notebook: Senate Seat Sweepstakes Part 2. Hegseth, Hininger, Sexton?

In addition to Tim Burchett and Glenn Jacobs, who are the prospects for appointment to the U.S. Senate? If Marsha Blackburn wins, the Governor‘s race includes a few others. And never discount the prospect of a dark horse. If Blackburn allows Bill Lee to make the pick, does he name himself? Or his Deputy Governor and ECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter? Also, virtually every Republican member of the Tennessee congressional delegation has expressed interest at some point and at some level or another. Nevertheless, three other names are most often mentioned.

PETE HEGSETH. The Trump Secretary of War has recently emerged as a perspective appointment, although most of that has been generated in Washington DC circles rather than in Tennessee. Although he has a home in Sumner County, Hegseth is certainly not viewed as a Tennessean, nor has he been particularly involved in the state at any significant level. He and his family recently, attended the UT-Alabama football game in Knoxville clad appropriately in Tennessee orange. 

It appears the more likely landing spot for Hegseth, should he soon depart the Trump administration, is a return to Fox News in some highly lucrative role while at the same time prospering greatly in the private sector. His presence has been so limited in Tennessee that he would likely not be able to meet the Tennessee Republican Party standard of “bona fide” in order to run in 2028. But rules could be changed to accommodate him, particularly if he is running for reelection as a US Senator in Tennessee.

DAMON HININGER. Hininger recently left the top spot at Core Civic, the private prison company based in Tennessee. He has been increasingly active in Tennessee Republican politics over the last year, and has traveled extensively to both Blackburn events and GOP county events in the past six months. He and Core Civic have donated heavily to both Blackburn and various PACs supporting her, with at least one donation of $100,000 already being reported. Has he also retained the private consulting services of Ward Baker? That is unknown, and not really subject to public reporting. 

During President Trump‘s recent visit to Clarksville, Hininger was in the exclusive vip section reserved for various members of Congress and senior elected officials, right next to Ward Baker and Marsha Blackburn. 

This recent political activities have also included assisting in funding/sponsoring the Republican Caucus statewide bus tour where he was a featured speaker at numerous stops.

Hininger is not as visible or well-known among rank and file Republicans in the state, he is very well known among Blackburn‘s inner circle, donors, and consultants. He would be a significant self funder in 2028, and clearly has political ambitions. Some consider him the front runner, which may be right on the money.

CAMERON SEXTON. House Speaker Cameron Sexton is another possibility for getting moved into the Senate seat should Blackburn get elected. He’s been highly visible across the state and would have the support of most of his House Caucus members, many of whom he has been instrumental in getting elected. 

But the main reason that Sexton might become the pick is if Blackburn is elected and wins with much less than a majority, in the mid to low 40s or high 30s, then she will be the first Governor elected in Tennessee with less than a majority in the past 120 years. She will not have a significant mandate having not campaigned on particularly specific issues mentor office as one of the weakest Governors in modern history. The Governor in Tennessee already has relatively limited powers in comparison to the Legislative Branch. House Speaker Cameron Sexton would be the most powerful speaker since Ned Ray McWherter, who subsequently became Governor. Sexton would essentially call the shots for the Blackburn administration, although she would have the title. 

It is possible that Blackburn would prefer to have Sexton in the US Senate, out of her hair and with a more pliable Speaker with whom to work? Sexton may not be the most likely pick, but he should not be counted out.

Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.

SEE PART 1 HERE! – Political Notebook: The Senate Sweepstakes If Blackburn Is Elected, Part 1