Sen. Marsha Blackburn wins the Republican primary for governor of Tennessee

Blackburn, a longtime Trump ally, defeated Rep. John Rose for the nomination, NBC News projects, after the president decided not to endorse in the race.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn has won the Republican nomination for governor of Tennessee, NBC News projects, defeating Rep. John Rose in a race in which President Donald Trump declined to endorse.

Blackburn, 74, became the first woman to represent Tennessee in the Senate after she won her current seat in 2018; she had served in the House since 2003. If she wins the governor’s race, she would be the first female governor.

She will be a heavy favorite in the general election in the red state to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Bill Lee. Jerri Green, a member of the Memphis City Council, won the Democratic nomination.

Blackburn is considered one of the most conservative members of the Senate, known for her stances on abortion and transgender rights and her criticism of China’s influence.

While Trump stayed out of the race, Blackburn and Rose both leaned on his name.