



Republican candidate for Governor in Tennessee
Tennessee Republican Governor nominee?
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age61 years old (Feb 23, 1965)
GenderMale
LocationTennessee
BackgroundU.S. Representative
EducationTennessee Technological University (B.S.)
Notable personal detailsJohn Williams Rose is a Republican politician, businessman, and farmer serving as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee’s 6th congressional district (in office since 2019). He previously served as Tennessee’s commissioner of agriculture (2002–2003). Rose earned degrees from Tennessee Technological University, Purdue University, and Vanderbilt University, and has worked as a business executive in addition to operating his family farm.
Supports simplifying the tax code, reducing burdensome federal regulations, reining in government spending and reducing the national debt, and favors policies intended to promote economic growth rather than tax increases.
Opposes 'socialized medicine' and supports repealing the Affordable Care Act; backs policies that limit government role in healthcare and expands private-sector choices. Has supported legislation to ban use of QALYs in federal programs and emphasizes lowering costs and expanding provider access while opposing government-run health coverage expansions such as Medicaid expansion. Advocates protections against government determinations of treatment value and prioritizes keeping providers in rural communities.
Supports strict border enforcement including finishing the border wall, reinstating policies like "Remain in Mexico" and Title 42, opposing sanctuary cities, backing deportation for those who cross illegally, and holding DHS leadership accountable for perceived failures to secure the border.
The candidate opposes abortion, describes life as beginning at conception, supports defunding Planned Parenthood, and praised the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision returning abortion policy to the states. He has received high grades from national pro‑life groups and has spoken on the House floor condemning abortion and urging pro‑life policies.
Supports market-friendly energy policies and opposes large federal climate spending and regulatory mandates; emphasizes protecting farmers from climate-related disclosure rules and has voted against major Democratic climate legislation. Expresses support for expanding nuclear energy as part of energy reliability solutions.
Supports strong Second Amendment protections, opposes new federal gun-control measures such as universal background checks and national red‑flag laws, and has framed solutions around mental health and school security rather than additional firearm restrictions.
John Rose was defeated by Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee’s Republican gubernatorial primary, ending his bid for the GOP nomination. Recent coverage had shown Rose as Blackburn’s main challenger, with polls narrowing before the vote. He had been campaigning on his business background and conservative record in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Bill Lee.
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
John Rose currently averages 15.9%, ranking second in this race, 38.1 points behind the next candidate.
Average recalculated from polls through Jul 29 - Aug 1.



Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2022
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LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC