Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) is preparing for a possible Senate campaign regardless of whether he receives an appointment to replace Sen. Marsha Blackburn, signaling that a decision by the Tennessee Republican Party to pass him over could trigger a challenge from within her own party, according to a report by Punchbowl News.

Burchett is seeking the appointment if Blackburn wins the Tennessee governor's race. But the congressman told Punchbowl News this week that he would campaign against whoever is chosen if another Republican gets the seat, setting up the possibility of an early battle over the state's next Senate election.

“We’ve got a very good, positive network throughout the state of grassroots people,” Burchett said, pointing to the political connections he has developed across Tennessee.

The potential contest comes as Blackburn considers a transition from the Senate to the governor's mansion. She has said she intends to select her own Senate successor if elected, but has not publicly disclosed whom she might choose. In an August interview with the Nashville Banner, Blackburn declined to discuss possible candidates, saying it would be “inappropriate” to do so.

Burchett has a longstanding relationship with Blackburn. The two Republicans have known each other for more than two decades and served together in the Tennessee legislature. Burchett said he has also joined her on the campaign trail in more than 60 counties this election cycle, giving him opportunities to strengthen his statewide political network.

He argues that his experience in the House would be an asset in the Senate, particularly for conservative lawmakers frustrated by legislation that fails to advance. Burchett cited former Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who left the Senate earlier this year to lead the Department of Homeland Security, as an example of a former House member who understood the chamber's priorities.

“Our bills just go there to die,” Burchett said of the Senate.

Burchett has frequently sided with the conservative House Freedom Caucus, although he is not formally a member. The group has lost several lawmakers during the current Congress as members have pursued other offices or lost primary contests.

Other Republicans are also interested in the seat. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) has said he wants the appointment, though he indicated he would not pursue the 2028 race if Blackburn selects someone else. Fleischmann said the eventual contest could involve substantial fundraising and an extensive campaign across Tennessee's 95 counties.

Glenn Jacobs, the former Knox County mayor and WWE Hall of Famer known professionally as Kane, has also expressed interest. Jacobs serves as treasurer for Blackburn's gubernatorial campaign. Damon Hininger, the former chief executive of CoreCivic, is another potential contender, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been mentioned as a possible appointee.

Blackburn won reelection in 2024, leaving four years in her Senate term. Under Tennessee law, an appointed successor would serve until the 2028 general election, when voters would choose someone to complete the remainder of the term. The next election for a full six-year term would take place in 2030, and the appointee could seek election.

The outcome of Blackburn's gubernatorial bid could therefore determine not only who temporarily occupies the Senate seat but also the shape of a Republican contest that Burchett has already indicated he is prepared to enter.