U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty announced he will seek reelection in 2026, ending speculation about a possible gubernatorial run to replace term-limited Gov. Bill Lee.
A former U.S. ambassador to Japan (2017-2019) and Tennessee’s Economic and Community Development Commissioner (2011-2014), Hagerty was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020, winning 62% in the general election.
His re-election bid avoids a potential Republican primary showdown with Sen. Marsha Blackburn, preserving the current Senate delegation.
Hagerty is also the first U.S. senator to announce plans to run for re-election in 2026. He has been an ally of President Donald Trump and reportedly has $9 million in campaign funding.