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Former Knox County Mayor and WWE legend Glenn Jacobs confirmed last Wednesday he is open to being appointed to Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s, R-Tenn., seat if she wins the Tennessee governor’s race.
Speaking on the “Fox News Rundown” podcast, Jacobs was asked directly if he’d accept the role if Blackburn appointed him, as speculation continues over who could fill the seat if her gubernatorial bid succeeds.
“Your name is floating around as a possible replacement in the Senate for Senator Marsha Blackburn if she were to win the governor’s race in Tennessee. The idea being she would appoint you to her old seat,” Fox News’s Bill Melugin said. “Do you have interest in that?”
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Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, also known as WWE star Kane, walks onto the pre-race stage before the NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 12, 2026, in Bristol, Tenn. (Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Jacobs, who spent decades in the ring as WWE Hall of Famer “Kane” before entering politics in 2018, didn’t immediately confirm whether he’d considered the position, instead saying he’s focused on helping Blackburn win.
If Blackburn wins the governorship in November, she would officially take office in Jan. 2027, giving her the authority to appoint an interim U.S. senator to serve out her vacated term.
“Well, for me, that is something that I’m very honored that people would say about me. At the same time, there’s still a gubernatorial race that Gov. Blackburn needs to win. And she’s going to. I’m a big part of that,” Jacobs said.
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“I’m her campaign treasurer, and I’ve been traveling around with her. So at this point, that’s the most important part is to make sure that Marsha Blackburn is the next governor of the great state of Tennessee,” Jacobs continued.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is term-limited in 2026, and Blackburn launched her bid for the job on a platform focused on economic growth, border security and supporting law enforcement. She secured the Republican nomination in August.
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Jacobs, who served as the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, until his second term ended in Sept. 2026, had previously prepared his own gubernatorial bid through his Big Red PAC. However, he ultimately stepped aside to endorse Blackburn, becoming her campaign treasurer and prompting speculation about a potential Senate appointment.
Jacobs then confirmed that if Blackburn were to win, and he was asked to accept an appointment to the seat, he would consider the offer.
“Yeah, obviously it’s a huge honor for me, so I would consider it very seriously,” Jacobs said.
He also reiterated that response on Sunday while speaking on the “Brian Kilmeade Show” podcast, noting that if she tapped him, he “would do it.”
Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee is running for governor in the 2026 race to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Bill Lee. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“I would say that I would do it. Yes, yes, I would,” Jacobs added. “I had a great time as mayor, and it’s a difficult job because you know you’re the face of everything, and you’re also the closest to the flame, so you feel the heat. But that service and feeling you make a difference is truly priceless. I mean, it’s immeasurable.”
Blackburn will face Memphis City Councilwoman and Chief Public Defender Jerri Green, the Democratic nominee, on Nov. 3. Following her victory in the primary, President Donald Trump endorsed her, writing on Truth Social:
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“Congratulations to our Great Senator from Tennessee, Marsha Blackburn, who had a tremendous WIN for Governor last night, against a very strong and talented opponent, John Rose,” Trump wrote in August.
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“I know Marsha well, and she has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of the Great State of Tennessee. Congratulations Marsha!” he added.