Donald Trump said to Marsha Blackburn on her governor bid: "We don’t want to lose you in the Senate"

Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee’s Republican U.S. senator, is the front-runner in the state’s gubernatorial primary on Thursday, seeking to succeed term-limited Governor Bill Lee. President Donald Trump, who has not made an endorsement in this particular primary, said in January that he had urged Blackburn to remain in the Senate rather than run, though he also said she would make a good governor and that Representative John Rose had been a loyal supporter. Blackburn has showcased her support for Trump. The GOP field also includes state Representative Monty Fritts. Five Democrats, including Jerri Green, are competing for their party’s nomination. Democrats have not won Tennessee’s governorship in twenty years.