View source for Marsha Blackburn

{{short description|American politician (born 1952)}}
{{redirect|Senator Blackburn}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Marsha Blackburn
| image               = File:Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) official headshot - 116th Congress.jpg
| caption             = Official portrait, 2019
| jr/sr               = United States Senator
| state               = [[Tennessee]]
| alongside           = [[Bill Hagerty]]
| term_start          = January 3, 2019
| term_end            = 
| predecessor         = [[Bob Corker]]
| successor           = 
| state1              = [[Tennessee]]
| district1           = {{ushr|TN|7|7th}}
| term_start1         = January 3, 2003
| term_end1           = January 3, 2019
| predecessor1        = [[Ed Bryant]]
| successor1          = [[Mark Green (Tennessee politician)|Mark Green]]
| state_senate2       = Tennessee
| district2           = [[Tennessee's 23rd Senate district|23rd]]
| term_start2         = January 12, 1999
| term_end2           = January 3, 2003
| predecessor2        = [[Keith Jordan]]
| successor2          = [[Jim Bryson (politician)|Jim Bryson]]
| office3             = Executive Director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission
| governor3           = [[Don Sundquist]]
| term_start3         = February 1995
| term_end3           = June 1997
| predecessor3        = Dancy Jones
| successor3          = Anne Pope
| birth_name          = Mary Marsha Wedgeworth
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1952|6|6}}
| birth_place         = [[Laurel, Mississippi]], U.S.
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| party               = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|Chuck Blackburn|1974}}
| children            = 2
| education           = [[Mississippi State University]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])
| website             = {{url|blackburn.senate.gov|Senate website}}<br>{{url|marshablackburn.com|Campaign website}}
| module              = {{Listen |pos=center |embed=yes |filename=Marsha Blackburn on data privacy concerns in tech regulation.ogg |title=Blackburn's voice |type=speech |description=Blackburn on data privacy concerns in tech regulation.<br>Recorded January 20, 2022}}
}}
'''Mary Marsha Blackburn''' (née '''Wedgeworth'''; born June 6, 1952)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-01 |title=Marsha Blackburn {{!}} Biography & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marsha-Blackburn |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> is an American politician and businesswoman serving as the [[Seniority in the United States Senate|senior]] [[United States Senate|United States senator]] from [[Tennessee]]. Blackburn was first elected to the Senate in 2018. A member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], Blackburn was a [[Tennessee Senate|state senator]] from 1999 to 2003 and represented {{ushr|TN|7}} in the [[United States House of Representatives]] from 2003 to 2019, during which time the ''[[National Journal]]'' rated her among the House's most conservative members.

A supporter of the [[Tea Party movement]], Blackburn is a staunch ally of President [[Donald Trump]]. She opposes abortion, [[same-sex marriage]], and the [[Affordable Care Act]]. On November 6, 2018, Blackburn became the first woman to be [[2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee|elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee]], defeating Democratic former [[Governor of Tennessee|Tennessee Governor]] [[Phil Bredesen]]. Blackburn became the state's senior senator in January 2021 upon the retirement of Senator [[Lamar Alexander]]. Upon the retirement of Congressman [[Jim Cooper]] in 2023, she became the dean of [[United States congressional delegations from Tennessee|Tennessee's congressional delegation]]. She won reelection to a second Senate term in [[2024 United States Senate election in Tennessee|2024]] against Democratic nominee [[Gloria Johnson (politician)|Gloria Johnson]].

In August 2025, Blackburn announced her candidacy for [[governor of Tennessee]] in [[2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election|2026]].

==Early life and education==
[[File: Marsha Wedgeworth - 1969.jpg|thumb|left|292x292px|Marsha Wedgeworth as a junior at [[Northeast Jones High School]] in 1969 |alt=Black and white photograph of a young woman with 1960s style hair poses for the camera with a smile and her right hand under her chin]] 
Marsha Wedgeworth was born in [[Laurel, Mississippi]], to Mary Jo (Morgan) and Hilman Wedgeworth, who worked in sales and management.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://brentwoodhomepage.com/hilman-wedgeworth-wwii-veteran-father-of-rep-blackburn|title=Hilman Wedgeworth: WWII veteran; father of Rep. Blackburn – Brentwood Home Page|website=brentwoodhomepage.com|access-date=September 18, 2018|archive-date=September 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919025145/https://brentwoodhomepage.com/hilman-wedgeworth-wwii-veteran-father-of-rep-blackburn/|url-status=live}}</ref> She placed fourth during a beauty pageant in high school.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/capital-living/20889-understanding-the-beauty-queen-politician/|title=Understanding the beauty-queen politician|first=Ashley|last=Perks|work=The Hill |date=September 15, 2008|access-date=August 17, 2017|archive-date=September 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901081251/http://thehill.com/capital-living/24096-understanding-the-beauty-queen-politician|url-status=live}}</ref>

Blackburn attended [[Mississippi State University]] on a [[4-H]] scholarship, earning a [[Bachelor of Science]] in [[home economics]] in 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/reveille691974miss|title=Reveille|last=Mississippi State University|date=October 9, 1974|publisher=Mississippi State University|via=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref name="MSU">[http://library.msstate.edu/cprc/blackburn.asp The Marsha Blackburn Collection web page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716234012/http://library.msstate.edu/cprc/blackburn.asp |date=July 16, 2011}}, Mississippi State University Congressional and Political Research Center; retrieved December 5, 2013.</ref><ref name="library.msstate.edu">{{cite web|url=http://library.msstate.edu/cprc/blackburn.asp|title=Mississippi State University Libraries: Congressional and Political Research Center: Collections: The Marsha Blackburn Collection|website=Library.msstate.edu|access-date=February 26, 2017|archive-date=September 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903100452/http://library.msstate.edu/cprc/blackburn.asp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Baker"/> Blackburn was elected both as secretary and president of the Associated Women Students at Mississippi State University.<ref>https://archive.org/details/reveille671972miss/page/216/mode/1up?view=theater 1972 Reveille Yearbook, Mississippi State University.</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/reveille671972miss/page/275/mode/1up?q=Wedgeworth&view=theater 1972 Reveille Yearbook, Mississippi State University.</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/reveille691974miss/page/403/mode/1up?view=theater&q=Wedgeworth 1972 Reveille Yearbook, Mississippi State University.</ref>

==Early career and political activity==
In 1973, before graduating from college, Blackburn worked as a sales manager for the [[Times Mirror Company]]. From 1975 to 1978, she worked in the [[Castner Knott]] Division of Mercantile Stores, Inc. In 1978, she became the owner of Marketing Strategies, a promotion-event management firm. As of 2016, Blackburn continued to run this business.<ref name="library.msstate.edu"/>

Blackburn was a founding member of the [[Williamson County, Tennessee|Williamson County]] [[Young Republicans]].<ref name="Baker">Baker, Jackson, [http://www.memphismagazine.com/July-2011/Marsha-Blackburn ''Marsha Blackburn – Beacon of the Right''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210211025/http://www.memphismagazine.com/July-2011/Marsha-Blackburn/ |date=December 10, 2013 }}, ''Memphis Magazine'', July 2011; retrieved December 6, 2013.</ref> She was chair of the Williamson County Republican Party from 1989 to 1991.<ref name=Baker/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.cq.com/members/6434|title=RollCall.com – Member Profile – Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.|website=media.cq.com|access-date=May 2, 2018|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503111103/http://media.cq.com/members/6434|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=East|first1=Jim|last2=Sickler|first2=Cletus|date=April 4, 1989|title=GOP elects 1st chairwoman|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79713348/gop-elects-1st-chairwoman/|page=2-B|access-date=June 16, 2021|work=The Tennessean|via=Newspapers.com|language=en}}</ref> In 1992, she ran for [[United States Congress|Congress]] in [[Tennessee's 6th congressional district]], losing to incumbent [[Bart Gordon]], and was a delegate to the [[1992 Republican National Convention]].<ref name=Baker/> In 1995, Blackburn was appointed executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission by [[Governor of Tennessee|Tennessee governor]] [[Don Sundquist]], holding that post through 1997.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Parsons|first=Clark|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79713693/roll-em/|page=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79713612/commissioner-highlights-growth/ 2D]|date=April 24, 1995|title=Roll 'em: Tennessee's new film commissioner, Marsha Blackburn, shines a spotlight on growth|work=The Tennessean|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Baker" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts-culture/article/13001516/tennessee-gets-a-new-film-commissioner|title=Tennessee gets a new film commissioner|website=Nashville Scene|date=June 26, 1997 |access-date=May 20, 2018|archive-date=May 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520124240/https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts-culture/article/13001516/tennessee-gets-a-new-film-commissioner|url-status=live}}</ref>

Blackburn was a member of the [[Tennessee Senate]] from 1999 to 2003, and rose to be minority [[Whip (politics)|whip]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/51279/Marsha_Wedgeworth_Blackburn.html|title=Representative Marsha Wedgeworth Blackburn (R-Tennessee, 7th) – Biography|access-date=February 26, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912201549/https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/51279/Marsha_Wedgeworth_Blackburn.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=MSU/> In 2000, she took part in the effort to prevent the passage of a [[state income tax]] bill.<ref name=Baker/>

==U.S. House of Representatives==
[[File:Marsha Blackburn with Donald Rumsfeld.jpg|thumb|Blackburn and [[Donald Rumsfeld]] at [[Fort Campbell]] in 2004]]
[[File:Marsha Blackburn with Margaret Thatcher.jpg|thumb|right|Blackburn with former British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher]] in 2007]]

Redistricting after the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]] moved Blackburn's home from the 6th district into the 7th district, and created a gerrymandered district that stretched for 200 miles from eastern [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] to southwest [[Nashville]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Davis|first=Kent|date=January 12, 2010|title=2011 Redistricting TN|work=TN Precinct Project|url=http://www.tnprecinctproject.com/2010/01/12/2011-redistricting-tn|url-status=live|access-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717064418/http://www.tnprecinctproject.com/2010/01/12/2011-redistricting-tn/|archive-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Baker" /> In 2002, Blackburn ran in the Republican primary for this congressional seat. Of the four main candidates, she was the only one from the Nashville suburbs. The other three ([[Mark Norris (judge)|Mark Norris]], [[David Kustoff]], and Brent Taylor) were all from Memphis or its suburbs.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20220127204558/https://www.dcpoliticalreport.com/members/2002/TNResults.html 2002 Tennessee Congressional and Statewide Primary Results]}} on 2002-08-01, D.C.'s Political Report
</ref> Blackburn was endorsed by the conservative [[Club for Growth]].<ref>Bianca Phillips, [http://www.memphisflyer.com/JacksonBaker/archives/2002/08/01/final-report-on-tennessee-elections Final Report on Tennessee Elections] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308000236/http://www.memphisflyer.com/JacksonBaker/archives/2002/08/01/final-report-on-tennessee-elections|date=March 8, 2016}}, ''Memphis Flyer'', August 1, 2002; retrieved March 7, 2016.</ref> The three Memphians split the vote in that area, and she won the primary by nearly 20 percentage points.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160314121403/http://www.dcpoliticalreport.com/members/2002/TNResults.htm 2002 Tennessee Congressional and Statewide Primary Results]}}, ''D.C.'s Political Report''; retrieved March 7, 2016.</ref>

In the general election, Blackburn defeated Democratic nominee Tim Barron with 70% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.|url=http://media.cq.com/members/6434|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503111103/http://media.cq.com/members/6434|archive-date=May 3, 2018|access-date=May 2, 2018|publisher=Roll Call}}</ref> She was the fourth woman elected to Congress from Tennessee, and the first woman elected to Congress from Tennessee who did not succeed her husband.<ref>[http://www.williamsonherald.com/news/local_news/article_f83e9e08-e226-11e5-a53c-e391dd021950.html "Marsha Blackburn Named 2016 'Woman of the Year'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803170035/http://www.williamsonherald.com/news/local_news/article_f83e9e08-e226-11e5-a53c-e391dd021950.html|date=August 3, 2020}}, ''Williamson Herald'', March 4, 2016.</ref> She was reelected seven times.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marsha-Blackburn|title=Marsha Blackburn |website=www.britannica.com |access-date=August 20, 2023}}</ref>

=== Tenure ===
Blackburn served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.beaconjournal.com/roll-call/member/blackburn-marsha/B001243/?page=69|title=Senator Marsha Blackburn|website=Akron Beacon Journal |access-date=August 20, 2023}}</ref> During her House tenure, the ''[[National Journal]]'' rated her among the House's most conservative members.<ref name="Baker"/>

In November 2007, Blackburn unsuccessfully ran for Republican conference chair.<ref name="goby">{{cite web|url=http://blog.lib.umn.edu/cspg/smartpolitics/2013/06/meet_the_three_house_women_who.php|title=Meet the Three House Women Who Go by "Congressman"|work=Smart Politics|first=Eric|last=Ostermeier|date=June 13, 2013|access-date=July 8, 2013|archive-date=June 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616143443/http://blog.lib.umn.edu/cspg/smartpolitics/2013/06/meet_the_three_house_women_who.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2008/04/the-lady-prefers-congressman-009622|title=The lady prefers 'congressman'|work=Politico|first=Helena|last=Andrews|date=April 15, 2008|access-date=August 13, 2009|archive-date=September 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909102516/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9622.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://politics.nashvillepost.com/2009/01/07/marsha-blackburn-has-not-yet-decided-on-a-run-for-guv|title=Marsha Blackburn Has Not Yet Decided On A Run For Guv|work=NashvillePost.com|date=January 7, 2009}}</ref> She was a senior advisor on [[Mitt Romney]]'s [[Mitt Romney presidential campaign, 2008|2008 presidential campaign]], before resigning her position in the Romney campaign and endorsing [[Fred Thompson]] for president.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.tennessean.com/politics/2012/blackburn-says-romney-victory-in-tn-wouldnt-surprise-her|title=Blackburn says Romney victory in TN wouldn't surprise her|date=March 6, 2012|first=Elizabeth|last=Bewley|work=The Tennessean}}{{dead link|date=July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=TN senators back freeze on special spending|work=The Tennessean|url=http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101116/NEWS02/11160323/2067|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20101204162853/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101116/NEWS02/11160323/2067|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 4, 2010|first1=David|last1=Lightman|first2=Chris|last2=Echegaray|date=November 16, 2010|page=2|access-date=November 17, 2010}}</ref> Blackburn was an assistant whip in Congress from 2003 to 2005, as well as deputy whip from 2005.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 1, 2008|title=Blackburn to speak at GOP dinner|url=http://www.t-g.com/story/1322013.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042430/http://www.t-g.com/story/1322013.html|archive-date=May 3, 2018|access-date=June 3, 2017|work=Shelbyville Times-Gazette}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=March 30, 2010|title=Biography|url=http://blackburn.house.gov/Biography|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528065201/https://blackburn.house.gov/biography/|archive-date=May 28, 2017|access-date=June 3, 2017|work=official U.S. House website}}</ref><ref name="bio" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Marsha Blackburn|url=http://cpac.conservative.org/speakers/marsha-blackburn|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116163956/http://cpac.conservative.org/speakers/marsha-blackburn/|archive-date=November 16, 2016|access-date=November 16, 2016|work=cpac.conservative.org}}</ref>
[[File: Marsha Blackburn Press Conference.jpg|thumb|Blackburn with [[Eric Cantor]], [[Mike Pence]], and [[Cynthia Lummis]] at a press conference in 2010]]
'''Committee assignments'''

* [[United States House Committee on the Budget|Committee on the Budget]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Senate: Committee Assignments of the 118th Congress|url=https://www.senate.gov/general/committee_assignments/assignments.htmm|access-date=2023-05-24|website=www.senate.gov}}</ref>
* [[United States House Committee on Education and the Workforce|Committee on Education and the Workforce]]<ref name="H2004">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CDIR-2004-08-01/html/CDIR-2004-08-01-HOUSECOMMITTEES.htm|title=Congressional Directory for the 108th Congress (2003–2004), August 2004. -|website=www.gpo.gov|access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106132424/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CDIR-2004-08-01/html/CDIR-2004-08-01-HOUSECOMMITTEES.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce|Committee on Energy and Commerce]]<ref name="CM" />
** [[United States House Energy Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade|Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade]], vice-chair
** [[United States House Energy Subcommittee on Communications and Technology|Subcommittee on Communications and the Internet]], chair<ref name="bio" />
** [[United States House Energy Subcommittee on Health|Subcommittee on Health Care]]<ref name="CM" />
** [[United States House Energy Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations|Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations]],<ref name="CM" /> vice-chair – Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
* [[United States House Committee on Judiciary|Committee on Judiciary]]<ref name="H2004" />
* [[United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform|Committee on Oversight and Government Reform]]<ref name="H2004" />
*[[United States House Select Investigative Panel on Planned Parenthood|Select Investigative Panel on Planned Parenthood]], chair<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/10/23/boehners-next-select-committee-focusing-on-planned-parenthood-to-be-led-by-marsha-blackburn|title=Boehner's next select committee, focusing on Planned Parenthood, to be led by Marsha Blackburn|first=Paul|last=Kane|date=October 23, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 23, 2015|archive-date=October 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024164512/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/10/23/boehners-next-select-committee-focusing-on-planned-parenthood-to-be-led-by-marsha-blackburn/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 350
| image1            = Marsha Blackburn Official.jpg|thumb|Rep. Blackburn official photo in 2011
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = 
| image2            = Marsha blackburn congress.jpg|thumb|Rep. Blackburn official photo in 2016
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = 
| footer            = Rep. Blackburn's official portraits, {{circa}} 2011 and {{circa}} 2016
}}

==U.S. Senate==
=== 2018 election ===
{{Main|2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee}}

[[File:2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee results map by county.svg|thumb|350px|alt=Final results by county|Final results by county in 2018: {{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Marsha Blackburn}}|{{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}|{{legend|#D75D5D|60–70%}}|{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}|
{{legend|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} 
}}
{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#7996e2|[[Phil Bredesen]]}}|||{{legend|#584cde|70–80%}}|{{legend|#6674de|60–70%}}|
{{legend|#7996e2|50–60%}}|}}]]In October 2017, Blackburn announced her candidacy for the Senate seat being vacated by [[Bob Corker]]. In her announcement, she said that House Republicans were frustrated with Senate Republicans, who they believed acted like Democrats on important issues, including Obamacare.<ref name="FOX">{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-rep-blackburn-announces-senate-run-says-failure-to-repeal-obamacare-a-disgrace/|title=GOP Rep. Blackburn announces Senate run, says failure to repeal ObamaCare a 'disgrace'|first=Sarah|last=Smith|date=October 5, 2017|work=FOX news|access-date=October 10, 2017|archive-date=October 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010053706/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/10/05/gop-rep-blackburn-announces-senate-run-says-failure-to-repeal-obamacare-disgrace.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2017/10/08/analysis-shifting-political-winds-forecast-trouble-tennessee-establishment-republicans/736931001|date=October 8, 2017|title=Analysis: shifting political winds forecast trouble Tennessee's establishment Republicans|author=Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert and Jordan Buie|work=The Tennessean|access-date=October 10, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200731082032/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2017/10/08/analysis-shifting-political-winds-forecast-trouble-tennessee-establishment-republicans/736931001/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the announcement, Blackburn called herself a "hardcore, card-carrying Tennessee conservative", said she was "politically incorrect", and noted with pride that liberals had called her a "wingnut".<ref name=":1" /> She dismissed compromise and bipartisanship, saying "No compromise, no apologies."<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/us/politics/tennessee-senate-race-bredesen-blackburn.html|title=In Pro-Trump Tennessee, Democrats Count on a Familiar Face to Flip a Senate Seat|last=Kaplan|first=Thomas|date=April 18, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 18, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418114844/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/us/politics/tennessee-senate-race-bredesen-blackburn.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She also said that she carried a gun in her purse.<ref name=":1" /> On August 2, Blackburn received 610,302 votes (84.48%) in the Republican primary, winning the nomination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://elections.tn.gov/results.php?ByOffice=United%20States%20Senate|title=August 2, 2018 Unofficial Election Results|work=Tennessee Secretary of State|access-date=August 3, 2018|archive-date=August 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803104520/https://elections.tn.gov/results.php?ByOffice=United%20States%20Senate|url-status=live}}</ref>
Blackburn largely backed President [[Donald Trump]]'s policies,<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Thomas |date=April 18, 2018 |title=In Pro-Trump Tennessee, Democrats Count on a Familiar Face to Flip a Senate Seat |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/us/politics/tennessee-senate-race-bredesen-blackburn.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418114844/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/us/politics/tennessee-senate-race-bredesen-blackburn.html |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=GOP gears up to battle popular ex-governor in Senate race in Tenn.; Bill Lee projected to win Republican primary for governor |language=en |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/tennessee-democrats-tap-a-popular-former-governor-for-senate--and-the-gop-braces-for-a-fight-in-trump-country/2018/08/02/0530e95c-9681-11e8-80e1-00e80e1fdf43_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803021316/https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/tennessee-democrats-tap-a-popular-former-governor-for-senate--and-the-gop-braces-for-a-fight-in-trump-country/2018/08/02/0530e95c-9681-11e8-80e1-00e80e1fdf43_story.html |archive-date=August 3, 2018}}</ref> including a U.S.–Mexico border wall,<ref name="FOX2">{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Sarah |date=October 5, 2017 |title=GOP Rep. Blackburn announces Senate run, says failure to repeal ObamaCare a 'disgrace' |work=FOX news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-rep-blackburn-announces-senate-run-says-failure-to-repeal-obamacare-a-disgrace/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010053706/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/10/05/gop-rep-blackburn-announces-senate-run-says-failure-to-repeal-obamacare-disgrace.html |archive-date=October 10, 2017}}</ref> and shared his opinion of [[National Football League]] national anthem protests.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 26, 2017 |title=In wake of Trump's NFL comments, Marsha Blackburn files resolution on national anthem etiquette |work=The Tennessean |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2017/09/26/marsha-blackburn-trump-nfl-anthem-protest-colin-kaepernick-alejandro-villanueva/703489001 |url-status=live |access-date=October 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200731082044/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2017/09/26/marsha-blackburn-trump-nfl-anthem-protest-colin-kaepernick-alejandro-villanueva/703489001/ |archive-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref> Trump and Vice President [[Mike Pence]] endorsed her. During the campaign, Blackburn pledged to support Trump's agenda and suggested that Democratic nominee [[Phil Bredesen]] would not.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Marsha Blackburn attacks Phil Bredesen at GOP fundraiser |language=en |work=The Tennessean |url=https://eu.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/tn-elections/2018/06/08/marsha-blackburn-attacks-phil-bredesen-gop-fundraiser-senate/687074002/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200731082118/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/tn-elections/2018/06/08/marsha-blackburn-attacks-phil-bredesen-gop-fundraiser-senate/687074002/ |archive-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Blackburn-logo-forsenate-final.png|left|thumb|Blackburn's congressional campaign logo, used during the 2018 election]]

For most of the campaign, polls showed the two candidates nearly tied. But after [[Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination|Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearings]], Blackburn pulled ahead. Some believe the hearings mobilized Republican voters in the state,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/415276-blackburn-keeps-tennessee-seat-in-gop-hands/|title=Blackburn keeps Tennessee seat in GOP hands|work=thehill.com|last=Bolton|first=Alexander|date=November 6, 2018|access-date=November 7, 2018|archive-date=November 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107050338/https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/415276-blackburn-keeps-tennessee-seat-in-gop-hands|url-status=live}}</ref> even though Democrats won the House. Blackburn won the election with 54.7% of the vote to Bredesen's 43.9%, an unexpectedly large margin. She carried all but three counties in the state ([[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson]], [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby]], and [[Haywood County, Tennessee|Haywood]]), the most counties ever won in an open Senate election in Tennessee.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Tennessee Senate election results 2018|url=https://www.cnn.com/election/2018/results/tennessee/senate|work=[[CNN]]|date=November 6, 2018|access-date=November 7, 2018|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128200308/https://www.cnn.com/election/2018/results/tennessee/senate|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:President Donald Trump with female Republican Senators.jpg|thumb|Blackburn with President [[Donald Trump]], [[Susie Wiles]], and fellow female [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] senators, January 2025]]

At 66, Blackburn is the oldest elected freshman U.S. senator from Tennessee. She was the oldest person to become a freshman U.S. senator in the 21st century until [[Peter Welch]] of [[Vermont]] surpassed her at age 75.

=== 2024 election ===
{{Main|2024 United States Senate election in Tennessee}}
[[File:2024 United States Senate election in Tennessee results map by county.svg|alt=Final results by county|thumb|350x350px|Final results by county in 2024:{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Marsha Blackburn}}|{{legend|#C21B18|80–90%}}
{{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}|{{legend|#D75D5D|60–70%}}|{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}|
}}{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#7996e2|[[Gloria Johnson (politician)|Gloria Johnson]]}}||||{{legend|#6674de|60–70%}}|{{legend|#7996e2|50–60%}}|
}}

]]
On August 1, 2024, Blackburn and Democratic state representative [[Gloria Johnson (politician)|Gloria Johnson]] won their respective party nominations.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 2024 |title=Democratic Rep. Johnson wins Tennessee primary, will face GOP Sen. Blackburn in Senate race |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democratic-rep-johnson-wins-tennessee-primary-will-face-gop-sen-blackburn-in-senate-race |access-date=1 August 2024 |website=PBS}}</ref> This was the first all-woman general election for a Tennessee Senate seat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Results for Women in the August 1st Primaries in Tennessee |url=https://cawp.rutgers.edu/blog/results-women-august-1st-primaries-tennessee |website=cawp.rutgers.edu}}</ref>

Blackburn was reelected with 63.8% of the vote to Johnson's 34.2%. She carried all but two counties in the state ([[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson]] and [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby]]).

There was speculation that Blackburn could be Donald Trump's running mate in [[Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign|his 2024 presidential campaign]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Steinhauser |first1=Paul |date=18 March 2022 |title=Blackburn's 2022 trips to New Hampshire, Iowa spark some 2024 speculation |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/blackburns-new-hampshire-iowa-2024-speculation |access-date=19 August 2022 |publisher=Fox News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rau |first=Nate |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Blackburn earns VP buzz while running for re-election |url=https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/05/29/blackburn-earns-vp-buzz-while-running-for-re-election |access-date=July 16, 2024 |work=Axios Nashville}}</ref> but Trump instead chose [[JD Vance]].

===Senate tenure===
[[File:Marsha Blackburn (48514103017).jpg|thumb|Blackburn at [[Turning Point USA]] 2019]]
Blackburn was sworn in as a U.S. senator on January 3, 2019. She is the first woman in history to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-1st-female-senator-will-serve-on-judiciary-panel|title=Marsha Blackburn sworn in, becomes Tennessee's first female US Senator|date=January 3, 2019|website=News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF)}}</ref> Upon [[Lamar Alexander]]'s retirement in 2021, Blackburn became the senior U.S. senator from Tennessee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wate.com/news/politics/knoxville-rep-gloria-johnson-mulls-us-senate-run-against-marsha-blackburn/|title=Knoxville Rep. Gloria Johnson mulls U.S. Senate run against Marsha Blackburn|website=WATE.com|last=Raucoules|first=Gregory|date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>

'''Committee assignments<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Senate: Committee Assignments of the 117th Congress |url=https://www.senate.gov/general/committee_assignments/assignments.htm#BlackburnTN |website=www.senate.gov |access-date=October 6, 2021}}</ref>'''
* [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation|Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation]]
** [[United States Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband|Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband]]
** [[United States Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security|Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Data Protection]] (Ranking Member)
** [[United States Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change and Manufacturing|Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change and Manufacturing]]
** [[Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion]]
* [[United States Senate Committee on Finance|Committee on Finance]]
** [[United States Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care|Subcommittee on Health Care]]
** [[United States Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy|Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy]]
** [[United States Senate Finance Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight|Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight]]
* [[United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary|Committee on the Judiciary]]
** [[United States Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights|Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights]]
** [[United States Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law|Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law]] (Ranking)
** [[United States Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship and Border Safety|Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety]]
** [[United States Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property|Subcommittee on Intellectual Property]]
** [[United States Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law|Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law]]
* [[United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs|Committee on Veterans' Affairs]]

== 2026 gubernatorial campaign ==
{{main|2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election}}
On August 6, 2025, Blackburn announced that she would run for [[governor of Tennessee]] in [[2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election|2026]]. If elected, she will be Tennessee's first female governor and, at age 74, its oldest elected governor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Sarah Grace |title=Marsha Blackburn announces run for Governor of Tennessee |url=https://nashvillebanner.com/2025/08/06/marsha-blackburn-tennessee-governor-campaign-launch/ |access-date=August 6, 2025 |work=Nashville Banner |date=August 6, 2025}}</ref>

== Political positions ==
Blackburn is a [[Tea Party movement|Tea Party]] Republican.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|title=Marsha Blackburn, 'Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It,' Runs For Senate In Tenn.|language=en|work=NPR.org|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/10/05/555911040/marsha-blackburn-politically-incorrect-and-proud-of-it-runs-for-senate-in-tenn|url-status=live|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120234605/https://www.npr.org/2017/10/05/555911040/marsha-blackburn-politically-incorrect-and-proud-of-it-runs-for-senate-in-tenn|archive-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref> She has been called staunchly conservative,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite news|title=After Doug Jones's win, here's what Democrats need to do to retake the Senate in 2018|work=Vox|url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/13/16770972/doug-jones-senate-2018-elections|url-status=live|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907032433/https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/13/16770972/doug-jones-senate-2018-elections|archive-date=September 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=In deep-red Tennessee, Republicans are anxious about the U.S. Senate race|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-deep-red-tennessee-republicans-are-anxious-about-the-us-senate-race/2018/10/04/de13d5a6-c57d-11e8-b2b5-79270f9cce17_story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010195214/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-deep-red-tennessee-republicans-are-anxious-about-the-us-senate-race/2018/10/04/de13d5a6-c57d-11e8-b2b5-79270f9cce17_story.html|archive-date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en}}</ref> and has sometimes attended functions of, and met with leaders of, far-right groups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/tn-elections/2018/10/04/marsha-blackburn-senate-hate-group-david-horowitz/1513144002/|title=Blackburn listed as speaker for events organized by anti-Muslim activist; aide says she didn't attend|first=Natalie Allison and Joel|last=Ebert|website=The Tennessean}}</ref> She has called herself "a hard-core, card-carrying Tennessee conservative."<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|last=Hakim|first=Danny|date=October 3, 2018|title=In Tennessee Senate Race, Financial Missteps Linger in the Background|work=The New York Times |language=en|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/03/us/politics/tennessee-governor-blackburn-bredesen.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010195237/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/03/us/politics/tennessee-governor-blackburn-bredesen.html|archive-date=October 10, 2018}}</ref>

[[GovTrack]] estimated Blackburn to be the most ideologically conservative member of the Senate in the 2019 legislative year.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 18, 2020 |title=2019 Report Cards: Ideology Score |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/report-cards/2019/senate/ideology |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320143648/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/report-cards/2019/senate/ideology |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |website=GovTrack}}</ref> In 2024, Blackburn served as chairperson for the [[Republican National Committee]]'s official party platform.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rau |first1=Nate |title=Sen. Marsha Blackburn to deliver primetime speech at RNC |url=https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/07/15/marsha-blackburn-speech-rnc |website=Axios |date=July 15, 2024 |access-date=15 July 2024}}</ref>

===Abortion and stem cell research===
Blackburn staunchly [[Anti-abortion movements|opposes]] [[abortion]] and sought to overturn ''[[Roe v. Wade]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Perano |first1=Ursula |url=https://www.axios.com/roe-v-wade-republicans-brief-trump-overturn-4dd4e6f5-ce95-403f-a048-bc15605e0256.html |title=39 Republican senators sign brief asking Supreme Court to revisit Roe v. Wade |work=Axios |date=January 2, 2020 |access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119161331/https://www.axios.com/roe-v-wade-republicans-brief-trump-overturn-4dd4e6f5-ce95-403f-a048-bc15605e0256.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ontheissues.org/social/Marsha_Blackburn_Abortion.htm |title=Marsha Blackburn on Abortion |access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-date=June 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602205105/https://www.ontheissues.org/social/Marsha_Blackburn_Abortion.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> In 2013, she was chosen to manage debate on a bill promoted by House Republicans that would have prohibited abortions after 22 weeks' gestation, with limited exceptions for rape or incest.<ref name="nyt-abortion">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/18/us/politics/undaunted-by-2012-elections-republicans-embrace-anti-abortion-agenda.html|title=G.O.P. Pushes New Abortion Limits to Appease Vocal Base|last=Peters|first=Jeremy|date=June 17, 2013|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 25, 2017|archive-date=February 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227233153/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/18/us/politics/undaunted-by-2012-elections-republicans-embrace-anti-abortion-agenda.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She replaced the bill's prior sponsor, U.S. Representative [[Trent Franks]], after Franks made controversial and dubious statements.<ref name="bloomberg-abortion">{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-13/republicans-pick-female-lawmaker-to-manage-abortion-bill.html|title=Republicans Pick Female Lawmaker to Manage Abortion Bill|last1=Tiron|first1=Roxana|date=June 13, 2013|publisher=Bloomberg News|first2=James|last2=Rowley|access-date=March 9, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111045350/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-13/republicans-pick-female-lawmaker-to-manage-abortion-bill.html/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="franks">{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/06/rep-trent-franks-claims-very-low-pregnancy-rate-from-rape|title=Rep. Trent Franks Claims 'Very Low' Pregnancy Rate From Rape|last=Parkinson|first=John|date=June 12, 2013|publisher=ABC News|access-date=June 28, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803223837/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/06/rep-trent-franks-claims-very-low-pregnancy-rate-from-rape|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Blackburn led a panel that investigated the [[Planned Parenthood 2015 undercover videos controversy|Planned Parenthood undercover video controversy]], in which anti-abortion activists published a video purporting to show that Planned Parenthood illicitly sold fetal tissue. Subsequent investigations into Planned Parenthood found no evidence of fetal tissue sales or of wrongdoing,<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=Swenson|first=Kyle|date=October 10, 2017|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/10/10/twitter-calls-foul-on-rep-marsha-blackburn-ad-due-to-baby-body-parts-comment/|title=Twitter calls foul on Rep. Marsha Blackburn ad because of 'baby body parts' comment|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-date=September 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907071041/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/10/10/twitter-calls-foul-on-rep-marsha-blackburn-ad-due-to-baby-body-parts-comment/|url-status=live}}</ref> but in 2017, when Blackburn announced that she was running for Senate, she ran a controversial advertisement saying that she "fought Planned Parenthood and we stopped the sale of baby body parts".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=North|first=Anna|date=October 10, 2017|url=https://www.vox.com/identities/2017/10/10/16449920/marsha-blackburn-twitter-ban|title=Twitter's ban on Marsha Blackburn's ad mentioning "baby body parts," explained|work=Vox|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905171857/https://www.vox.com/identities/2017/10/10/16449920/marsha-blackburn-twitter-ban|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Robillard |first1=Kevin |title=Twitter reverses decision, will allow Blackburn to promote ad |journal=Politico |date=October 10, 2017 |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/10/twitter-blackburn-body-parts-ad-243652 |access-date=April 6, 2022}}</ref> In 2015, Blackburn claimed that 94% of Planned Parenthood's business revolves around abortion services, which [[FactCheck.org]] found to be misleading and that "no one can say for sure what the percentage is".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.factcheck.org/2015/09/planned-parenthoods-services/|title=Planned Parenthood's Services|date=September 4, 2015|work=FactCheck.org|access-date=September 6, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216212734/https://www.factcheck.org/2015/09/planned-parenthoods-services/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2016, Blackburn chaired the Republican-led Select Investigative Panel, a committee convened to "explore the ethical implications of using fetal tissue in biomedical research".<ref name="select-investigative-panel">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/03/02/house-fetal-tissue-research|title=In first hearing, GOP panel casts doubt on fetal tissue research|author=DeBonis, Mike|date=March 2, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 19, 2016|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817121748/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/03/02/house-fetal-tissue-research/|url-status=live}}</ref> Democrats on the panel characterized the probe as a politically motivated witch hunt.<ref name="select-investigative-panel" />

===Birtherism===
In 2009, Blackburn sponsored legislation requiring presidential candidates to show their birth certificates. The bill was in response to [[Barack Obama citizenship conspiracy theories|conspiracy theories]], commonly known as "birther" theories, that alleged that [[Barack Obama]] was not born in the United States. Her spokesperson said that Blackburn did not doubt that Obama was an American citizen.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Ben|date=July 7, 2009|url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2009/07/blackburn-does-not-doubt-obamas-citizenship-019619|title=Blackburn 'does not doubt' Obama's citizenship|work=POLITICO|access-date=October 8, 2018|language=en|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128200313/https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2009/07/blackburn-does-not-doubt-obamas-citizenship-019619|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Winant|first=Gabriel|url=https://www.salon.com/2009/07/28/birther_enablers/|title=The Birthers in Congress|date=July 28, 2009|work=Salon|access-date=October 8, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128200314/https://www.salon.com/2009/07/28/birther_enablers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== China ===
[[File:Blackburn-Tsai meeting (2022-08-26) 01.jpg|thumb|Blackburn meeting with [[President of Taiwan]] [[Tsai Ing-wen]] in [[Taipei]], August 2022]]
In December 2020, Blackburn posted, "[[China]] has a 5,000-year history of cheating and stealing. Some things will never change..." on her Twitter account.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blackburn|first=Marsha|title=China has a 5,000 year history of cheating and stealing. Some things will never change...|url=https://twitter.com/marshablackburn/status/1334510812552163328|access-date=June 14, 2021|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/briefingroom-blogroll/528670-gop-senator-gets-into-nasty-twitter-spat-with-chinese-journalist/|title=GOP senator gets into nasty Twitter spat with Chinese journalist|website=TheHill.com|first=Sarah|last=Polus|date=December 3, 2020}}</ref> The European Union bureau chief for China's state-owned ''[[China Daily]]'', [[Chen Weihua]], responded by tweeting, "This is the most racist and ignorant US Senator I have seen. A lifetime bitch".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Weihua|first=Chen|title=This is the most racist and ignorant US Senator I have seen. A lifetime bitch.|url=https://twitter.com/chenweihua/status/1334567538534084608|access-date=June 14, 2021|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> In what appeared to be a thinly veiled reference to Chen, Blackburn asserted in response that the U.S. would "not bow down to sexist communist thugs". One of Chen's tweets was, with an apparently sarcastic comment, retweeted by Republican Senator [[Marco Rubio]].<ref>{{cite web|last=O'Connell|first=Oliver|date=December 4, 2020|title=Tennessee senator called a 'lifetime b****' by top Chinese journalist|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/marsha-blackburn-bitch-china-daily-uighurs-b1766467.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204193211/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/marsha-blackburn-bitch-china-daily-uighurs-b1766467.html|archive-date=December 4, 2020|access-date=December 4, 2020|work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> The Chinese American rights group Tennessee Chinese American Alliance protested Blackburn's comments as insulting to the Chinese community.<ref>[https://www.wsmv.com/news/davidson_county/chinese-americans-protesting-sen-marsha-blackburn/article_6f87c2bc-3cfb-11eb-9020-5fe1f9cabef1.html Chinese Americans protesting Sen. Marsha Blackburn] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128200355/https://www.wsmv.com/news/davidson_county/chinese-americans-protesting-sen-marsha-blackburn/article_6f87c2bc-3cfb-11eb-9020-5fe1f9cabef1.html |date=January 28, 2021 }} News 4 Nashville. December 12, 2020</ref>

In August 2022, Blackburn led a congressional delegation to [[Taiwan]], where she met with [[Taiwanese President]] [[Tsai Ing-wen]]. Her delegation was the third such delegation to visit Taiwan following [[2022 visit by Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan|Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit]] early that month. During her visit, Blackburn voiced support for Taiwan, calling it an "independent nation" and a "country", and also supported further [[Taiwan–United States relations|U.S.-Taiwan relations]] and combating the "New [[Axis of Evil]]", which she defines as [[Iran]], [[Russia]], and [[North Korea]], led by China. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and condemns most visits by U.S. lawmakers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Lawrence |title=Chinese military runs new live drills near Taiwan in face of 'changing' situation |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3190315/us-senator-marsha-blackburn-calls-taiwan-country-promises?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article&campaign=3190315 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=August 26, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dou |first1=Eva |last2=Shepherd |first2=Christian |title=Sen. Blackburn calls Taiwan a 'country' during meeting with Tsai |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/26/taiwan-marsha-blackburn-meeting-tsai-china/ |access-date=August 31, 2022 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=August 26, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jung |first1=Iris |title=Sen. Marsha Blackburn says China part of 'New Axis of Evil' in op-ed supporting Taiwan independence |url=https://news.yahoo.com/sen-marsha-blackburn-says-china-234130286.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAElUyO6GxQn6WQi5QSksQrkfr44-2ZJpMGZuEq-j4V32WwvCeD2XnI5jkZ5OvgfoRqcWVwroNdo9nQmk_Cg9xGlhUEGuECJCNZxLsyacdOYM007oa9JpMpByOWWs4PMmsNlMZDIOARReH3ZJ30j_jkDkQef1xKtkBQvULFw5K0Qi |access-date=September 11, 2022 |work=[[Yahoo! News]] |agency=NextShark |date=September 9, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Blackburn |first1=Marsha |title=We must stand with Taiwan |url=https://www.tullahomanews.com/news/editorial/we-must-stand-with-taiwan/article_4b96beb6-2fad-11ed-b1a0-cb15fdfae46f.html |access-date=September 11, 2022 |work=The Tullahoma News |date=September 9, 2022}}</ref>

In July 2023, Blackburn criticized the movie [[Barbie (film)|''Barbie'']] for "bending to Beijing to make a quick buck" after it was alleged the film contained a map of the world displaying the [[nine-dash line]], a [[Territorial disputes in the South China Sea|territorial claim]] by China to the [[South China Sea]] that the international community rejects. In a statement addressing like criticisms, [[Warner Bros.]], ''Barbie'''s production company, said the map was a "child-like crayon drawing . . . not intended to make any type of statement".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Diaz |first1=Daniella |title=GOP declares war on ... Barbie |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/07/gop-declares-war-on-barbie-00105154 |access-date=7 July 2023 |work=Politico |date=July 7, 2023}}</ref>

In 2024, Blackburn was targeted by the [[Government of China|Chinese government]]'s [[Spamouflage]] influence operation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Myers |first=Steven Lee |date=October 23, 2024 |title=Bots Linked to China Target Republican House and Senate Candidates, Microsoft Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/23/us/politics/x-bots-china-republicans.html |access-date=October 23, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

===Israel===
In October 2023, Blackburn voiced support for [[Israel]] during the [[Gaza war]], saying, "The United States has a moral obligation to defend Israel, and as Israel is surrounded by hostile actors funded by Iran who seek the destruction of the Jewish state and deny its right to exist, that's a solemn responsibility."<ref>{{cite news |title=Marsha Blackburn: Lawmakers must stand with Israel against Hamas terrorism. No excuses. |url=https://eu.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2023/10/13/marsha-blackburn-we-must-stand-with-israel-against-hamas-terrorism/71171358007/ |work=[[The Tennessean]] |date=October 13, 2023}}</ref>

===Climate change===
Blackburn [[climate change denial|rejects]] the [[scientific consensus on climate change]]. In a 2014 debate with science communicator [[Bill Nye]], Blackburn rejected the science and urgency of the issue, claiming that there is "no consensus" in the scientific community about the causes of climate change.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/7975/bill-nye-global-warming-marsha-blackburn/|title=Bill Nye Scolds GOP Congresswoman on Global Warming|date=February 16, 2014|magazine=Time}}</ref>

=== Contraception and the right to privacy ===
In March 2022, Blackburn called ''[[Griswold v. Connecticut]]'', a landmark Supreme Court decision holding that the Constitution protects the liberty of married couples to buy and use contraceptives without government restriction, "constitutionally unsound" as a ruling that "gave the court permission to bypass our system of checks and balances".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tennessean|first=Melissa Brown|date=March 21, 2022|title= Sen. Marsha Blackburn criticizes 1965 Supreme Court ruling on birth control access|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/21/marsha-blackburn-criticizes-1965-supreme-court-ruling-birth-control/7120236001/|access-date=March 22, 2022|website=Tennessean|language=en}}</ref>

=== Donald Trump ===
Blackburn strongly supports [[Donald Trump]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|title=Tennessee a major target for Democrats in midterm election battle|language=en|work=UPI|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/08/03/Tennessee-a-major-target-for-Democrats-in-midterm-election-battle/6881533293318/|url-status=live|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907032442/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/08/03/Tennessee-a-major-target-for-Democrats-in-midterm-election-battle/6881533293318/|archive-date=September 7, 2018}}</ref>

In November 2016, Blackburn joined Trump's [[First presidential transition of Donald Trump|presidential transition team]] as vice chair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/11/11/mike-pence-takes-over-trump-transition-from-chris-christie|title=Mike Pence takes over Trump transition from Chris Christie|last=Halper|first=Daniel|date=November 11, 2016|website=Nypost.com|access-date=February 26, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211122842/http://nypost.com/2016/11/11/mike-pence-takes-over-trump-transition-from-chris-christie/|url-status=live}}</ref> She was a staunch supporter of his and backed most of his policies and proposals.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2"/><ref name=":5" /> She nominated him for a [[Nobel Peace Prize]] for his negotiations with [[North Korea]].<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Collins|first1=Michael|date=April 30, 2018|title=Three Tennessee Republicans sign letter formally nominating Donald Trump for Nobel Prize|publisher=The Tennessean|agency=USA Today Network|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/30/rep-marsha-blackburn-donald-trump-deserves-nobel-peace-prize-efforts-korea/565018002/|access-date=May 3, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200731082018/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/30/rep-marsha-blackburn-donald-trump-deserves-nobel-peace-prize-efforts-korea/565018002/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Vox (website)|Vox]]'' speculated that Blackburn's ties to Trump, who won Tennessee in the 2016 election by 26 points, helped boost her Senate candidacy.<ref name="vox">{{cite news |last1=Lhou |first1=Li |title=Marsha Blackburn is Tennessee's first woman senator |url=https://www.vox.com/2018/11/6/18049520/midterm-election-results-tennessee-senate-marsha-blackburn-winner |access-date=November 29, 2018 |publisher=VOX |date=November 7, 2018 |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130030516/https://www.vox.com/2018/11/6/18049520/midterm-election-results-tennessee-senate-marsha-blackburn-winner |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Marsha Blackburn 2016 RNC (1).jpg|thumb|Blackburn speaking at the [[Republican National Convention]] in 2016]]
[[File:Marsha Blackburn and Donald Trump waving at Nashville Rally 2.png|thumb|Blackburn and President Donald Trump waving at Nashville Rally in 2018]]
During Trump's first Senate impeachment trial, Blackburn left the chamber for a television interview.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Brennan, David|date=January 22, 2020|title=Senator Marsha Blackburn Criticized for Mid-Impeachment Trial Fox News Interview: 'No One…can Be Treated As Above the Law'|work=Newsweek|url=https://www.newsweek.com/senator-marsha-blackburn-criticized-mid-impeachment-trial-fox-news-interview-treated-above-law-1483388|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123021024/https://www.newsweek.com/senator-marsha-blackburn-criticized-mid-impeachment-trial-fox-news-interview-treated-above-law-1483388|url-status=live}}</ref> She also garnered attention by reading a book during the proceedings.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Folley|first1=Aris|date=January 23, 2020|title=Marsha Blackburn shares what book she's reading during Trump Senate trial|work=The Hill|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/479631-marsha-blackburn-shares-what-book-shes-reading-during-trump-senate-trial/|access-date=January 24, 2020|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123235502/https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/479631-marsha-blackburn-shares-what-book-shes-reading-during-trump-senate-trial|url-status=live}}</ref> Blackburn spent time during the trial to tweet about [[Alexander Vindman]], calling him unpatriotic for allegedly "badmouth[ing] and ridicul[ing]" the U.S. in front of Russia.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 23, 2020|title=Sen. Marsha Blackburn|url=https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/1220452721616216087|access-date=January 24, 2020|website=Twitter|quote=Adam Schiff is hailing Alexander Vindman as an American patriot.|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123211546/https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/1220452721616216087|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ZCohen20200125">{{Cite news|last=Cohen|first=Zachary|date=January 25, 2020|title=Pentagon's vow to protect Vindman against retaliation tested after Blackburn attacks decorated veteran|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/25/politics/pentagon-retaliation-vindman-marsha-blackburn-tweet/index.html|access-date=January 25, 2020|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125201413/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/25/politics/pentagon-retaliation-vindman-marsha-blackburn-tweet/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2019, #MoscowMarcia started trending on Twitter after Blackburn tweeted allegations against Vindman on her Twitter account.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kelman|first=Brett|title=Sen. Marsha Blackburn tweets 'Vindictive Vindman,' then #MoscowMarsha starts trending|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2019/11/22/marsha-blackburn-tweets-vindictive-vindman-so-now-moscowmarsha-is-trending/4274561002/|access-date=November 23, 2019|website=The Tennessean|language=en|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191205033333/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2019/11/22/marsha-blackburn-tweets-vindictive-vindman-so-now-moscowmarsha-is-trending/4274561002/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Week]]'' characterized her tweet as a "conspiratorial smear".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/880409/gop-sen-marsha-blackburn-tweets-conspiratorial-smear-against-lt-col-vindman |title=GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn tweets conspiratorial smear against Lt. Col Vindman |date=November 22, 2019 |first=Kathryn |last=Krawczyk |magazine=[[The Week]] |access-date=April 3, 2022}}</ref> In her post, she wrote "Vindictive Vindman is the 'whistleblower's' handler".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blackburn|first=Sen Marsha|date=November 22, 2019|title=Vindictive Vindman is the "whistleblower's" handler.|url=https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/1197875810256007170|access-date=November 23, 2019|website=@MarshaBlackburn|language=en|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128200349/https://pbs.twimg.com/hashflag/config-2021-01-28-20.json|url-status=live}}</ref> The tweet was in reference to Vindman, a decorated army official and [[Purple Heart]] veteran, who became a central figure in Trump's impeachment proceedings in Congress after testifying he heard Trump pressure the [[president of Ukraine]] to investigate the son of one of his chief political rivals, former Vice President [[Joe Biden]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 22, 2019|title=GOP congressmembers blamed Ukraine for election hacking. Russia's been trying to make that happen for years.|url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/880591/gop-congressmembers-blamed-ukraine-election-hacking-russias-been-trying-make-that-happen-years|access-date=November 23, 2019|website=theweek.com|language=en|archive-date=November 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122233045/https://theweek.com/speedreads/880591/gop-congressmembers-blamed-ukraine-election-hacking-russias-been-trying-make-that-happen-years|url-status=live}}</ref>

After Biden won the [[2020 United States presidential election]], Blackburn supported Trump's false claims of victory and raised funds to support the Trump campaign's effort to [[Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election|overturn the election results]] in court.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Allison|first=Natalie|title=Staff of U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn says she misspoke by calling Biden 'president-elect'|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2020/11/20/tennessee-senator-marsha-blackburn-donald-trump-joe-biden-president-elect/6367537002/|access-date=November 21, 2020|website=The Tennessean|language=en-US|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201121140817/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2020/11/20/tennessee-senator-marsha-blackburn-donald-trump-joe-biden-president-elect/6367537002/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview on November 20, she briefly called Biden the "president-elect" but later retracted this as a mistake.<ref name=":9" /> On January 2, 2021, Blackburn and 10 other Republican senators announced that they would vote to oppose certification of the results of the election on January 6, the joint session of Congress in which the certification of a presidential election occurs, citing false allegations of widespread [[voter impersonation (United States)|election fraud]], irregularities, and unconstitutional changes to voting laws and voting restrictions. But after a mob of Trump supporters [[January 6 United States Capitol attack|violently stormed Capitol Hill]] that day, she voted to certify the results of the election.<ref>{{Cite web|author=WMCActionNews5 com Staff|title=Sen. Marsha Blackburn says she will vote to certify election results|url=https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/01/06/tennessee-sen-blackburn-changes-stance-certifying-electoral-college-results/|access-date=February 3, 2021|website=www.wmcactionnews5.com|date=January 7, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107033356/https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/01/06/tennessee-sen-blackburn-changes-stance-certifying-electoral-college-results/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=January 2, 2021|title=Blackburn, Hagerty and Colleagues Will Vote to Oppose Electoral College Results|url=https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2021/1/blackburn-hagerty-and-colleagues-will-vote-to-oppose-electoral-college-results|access-date=January 2, 2021|website=U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee|language=en|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102175824/https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2021/1/blackburn-hagerty-and-colleagues-will-vote-to-oppose-electoral-college-results|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Higgins|first=Tucker|date=January 2, 2021|title=11 Republican senators, led by Ted Cruz, push to delay certification of Biden victory|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/02/11-republican-senators-push-to-delay-certification-of-election-results.html|access-date=January 2, 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102192451/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/02/11-republican-senators-push-to-delay-certification-of-election-results.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2021, Blackburn abstained from voting on the creation of the [[January 6 commission]].<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 28, 2021 |title=Which senators supported a Jan. 6 Capitol riot commission |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2021/january6-commission-senators-vote/}}</ref>

===Education===
In 2021, when President Biden proposed universal pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds and subsidized child care for low- and middle-income families, Blackburn likened the proposal to the communist policies of the Soviet Union.<ref>{{Cite news|title='Lefty social engineering': GOP launches cultural attack on Biden's plan for daycare, education and employee leave|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/lefty-social-engineering-gop-launches-cultural-attack-on-bidens-plan-for-day-care-education-and-employee-leave/2021/04/30/38983b6e-a9bc-11eb-8c1a-56f0cb4ff3b5_story.html|access-date=May 11, 2021|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> She also falsely claimed that the Biden administration proposed to put children in pre-K even if their parents did not want to send them there.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dale|first=Daniel|title=Fact check: Sen. Marsha Blackburn falsely claims Biden would force people to attend pre-K and two years of college|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/29/politics/fact-check-blackburn-biden-families-plan-pre-k-college/index.html|access-date=May 11, 2021|website=CNN|date=April 30, 2021}}</ref>

===Fiscal policy===
Blackburn was among the 31 Senate Republicans who voted against final passage of the [[Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023]], which raised the U.S. debt ceiling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4031302-here-are-the-senators-who-voted-against-the-bill-to-raise-the-debt-ceiling/|title=Here are the senators who voted against the bill to raise the debt ceiling|first=Aris|last=Folley|date=June 1, 2023|access-date=June 17, 2023|work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]}}</ref>

===Gun rights===
After the [[Thousand Oaks shooting|2018 Thousand Oaks shooting]] on November 7, 2018, which resulted in 12 deaths, Blackburn responded to a question about the shooting in a [[Fox News]] interview by saying, "how do we make certain that we protect the [[Second Amendment]] and protect our citizens? We've always done that in this country. Mental health issues need to be addressed."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/11/8/18076084/thousand-oaks-borderline-shooting-marsha-blackburn-fox-news-nra-mental-health|title=Marsha Blackburn is an NRA favorite. Her comments about the Thousand Oaks shooting show why.|work=Vox|access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116034405/https://www.vox.com/2018/11/8/18076084/thousand-oaks-borderline-shooting-marsha-blackburn-fox-news-nra-mental-health|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2023, California Governor [[Gavin Newsom]] criticized Blackburn for accepting over $1 million in campaign donations from the [[National Rifle Association of America]] and voting against gun control measures, including the [[Bipartisan Safer Communities Act]], which passed in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news 
 | first = Kierra
 | last = Frazier
 | title = Newsom slams Blackburn for voting against gun control bill in wake of Nashville shooting
 |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/28/gavin-newsom-blackburn-nashville-shooting-00089169
 | publisher = [[Politico]]
 | date = March 28, 2023
 | access-date = June 14, 2023
 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328155127/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/28/gavin-newsom-blackburn-nashville-shooting-00089169
 | archive-date=March 28, 2023
 | url-status=live
 | quote = California Gov. Gavin Newsom slammed Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn on Twitter Monday night for voting against gun safety laws and accepting over $1 million in donations from the NRA over her career after the senator tweeted she was “ready to assist” in the wake of the deadly elementary school shooting in Nashville.
}}</ref>

===Health care and pharmaceuticals===
Blackburn opposed the [[Affordable Care Act]] (Obamacare), saying upon its passage, "freedom dies a little bit today."<ref name=":1" /><ref name="nyt-healthcare">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/us/politics/23repubs.html|title=Republicans Face Drawbacks of United Stand on Health Bill|last=Nagourney|first=Adam|date=March 22, 2010|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 25, 2017|archive-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007022225/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/us/politics/23repubs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She supported efforts to repeal the legislation.<ref name="nyt-debate">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/20/us/politics/20civil.html|title=Approaching Civility (if Perhaps Falling Short of Eloquence) in Debate|last=Steinhauer|first=Jennifer|date=January 19, 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 25, 2017|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006211943/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/20/us/politics/20civil.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, while arguing for its repeal, Blackburn falsely said that two of its popular provisions (protections for people with preexisting conditions and allowing adult children to be on their parents' health plans until they're 26) "were two Republican provisions which made it into the bill."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/02/28/marsha-blackburns-false-claim-that-two-key-obamacare-elements-are-republican-provisions/|title=Analysis {{!}} Rep. Marsha Blackburn's false claim that two key Obamacare elements are 'Republican provisions'|last=Kessler|first=Glenn|date=February 28, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=June 9, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612145802/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/02/28/marsha-blackburns-false-claim-that-two-key-obamacare-elements-are-republican-provisions/|url-status=live}}</ref> In her declaration that she would run for the [[United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2018|Senate in 2018]], she said that the failure to repeal the ACA was "a disgrace".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Golshan|first=Tara|date=October 5, 2017|url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/10/5/16430792/marsha-blackburn-senate-candidate-corker|title=Republican Senate candidate announces her bid by trashing the Republican Senate|work=Vox|access-date=October 6, 2017|archive-date=October 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005220016/https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/10/5/16430792/marsha-blackburn-senate-candidate-corker|url-status=live}}</ref>

At October 2013 congressional hearings on the ACA, Blackburn said the website healthcare.gov violated [[Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act|HIPAA]] and [[Privacy laws of the United States|health information privacy rights]]. The next day, when a [[CNN]] interviewer pointed out that the only health-related question the site asked was "do you smoke?", Blackburn repeated her criticism of the site for violating privacy rights.<ref>Cavendish, Steve [http://www.nashvillescene.com/pitw/archives/2013/10/25/this-is-what-happens-when-marsha-blackburn-cant-answer-a-simple-question ''This Is What Happens When Marsha Blackburn Can't Answer A Simple Question''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129140159/http://www.nashvillescene.com/pitw/archives/2013/10/25/this-is-what-happens-when-marsha-blackburn-cant-answer-a-simple-question |date=November 29, 2013 }}, ''[[Nashville Scene]]'', October 25, 2013; retrieved December 5, 2013.</ref>

According to ''The New York Times'' in 2017, Blackburn's best-known legislation was her co-sponsorship of a bill that revised the legal standard the [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA) had used to establish that "a significant and present risk of death or serious bodily harm that is more likely than not to occur", rather than the previous tougher standard of "imminent danger", before suspending the manufacturer's opioid drug shipments.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/investigations/dea-drug-industry-congress|title=How Congress allied with drug company lobbyists to derail the DEA's war on opioids|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016022851/https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/investigations/dea-drug-industry-congress/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> The legislation passed the House and the Senate unanimously, but was criticized in internal Justice Department documents and by the DEA's chief administrative law judge as hampering DEA enforcement actions against drug distribution companies engaging in black-market sales.<ref name=":0" /> Joe Rannazzisi, who had led the DEA's Office of Diversion Control, said he informed Blackburn's staffers what the effects of a 2016 law she co-sponsored would be. Blackburn said her bill had "unintended consequences", but Rannazzisi said they should have been anticipated. He said that during a July 2014 conference call he told congressional staffers the bill would cause more difficulties for the DEA if it pursued corporations that were illegally distributing such drugs.<ref name="DEA">[https://www.apnews.com/c597ffffadbd4b7baf7d1c79e453617c Ex-DEA official says Blackburn had warning on opioid law] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313221259/https://apnews.com/c597ffffadbd4b7baf7d1c79e453617c |date=March 13, 2020 }}, Jonathan Mattise, October 26, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2019.</ref> Blackburn and Representative [[Tom Marino]], the main co-sponsor of her House bill, sent a letter requesting an Office of Inspector General investigation about Rannazzisi, saying he tried to intimidate Congress in the July conversation. Rannazzisi said he was removed from his DEA position in August 2015.<ref name="DEA" />

=== Immigration ===
Blackburn supported Trump's 2017 [[Executive Order 13769|executive order]] imposing a temporary travel and immigration ban barring citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.<ref name="Blake1">{{cite web|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/29/republicans-on-trump-travel-ban|title=Coffman, Gardner join Republicans against President Trump's travel ban; here's where the rest stand|last1=Blake|first1=Aaron|website=The Denver Post|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-date=January 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129222238/http://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/29/republicans-on-trump-travel-ban/|url-status=live}}</ref> She has often expressed support of Trump's [[Immigration policy of the first Donald Trump administration|immigration policy]], especially his plan to greatly expand the [[Mexico–United States border wall|Mexico–United States barrier]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Stockard|first=Sam|date=October 12, 2018|title=Blackburn would spend $70B on border wall; Bredesen says he'd put money into technology|url=https://www.dailymemphian.com/article/594/Blackburn-would-spend-70B-on-border-wall-Bredesen-says-hed-put-money-into-technology|work=[[The Daily Memphian]]|location=Memphis, Tennessee|access-date=December 26, 2018|archive-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226184220/https://www.dailymemphian.com/article/594/Blackburn-would-spend-70B-on-border-wall-Bredesen-says-hed-put-money-into-technology|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2021, Blackburn visited the southern border of the United States with several other Republican senators; she accused President Biden of encouraging a surge of illegal immigration.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carden |first1=Curtis |title=Sen. Marsha Blackburn visits the U.S. – Mexico border |url=https://www.wate.com/news/tennessee/sen-marsha-blackburn-visits-the-u-s-mexico-border/ |access-date=April 6, 2021 |work=[[WATE-TV]] |date=March 21, 2021 |location=Knoxville |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321234407/https://www.wate.com/news/tennessee/sen-marsha-blackburn-visits-the-u-s-mexico-border/ |archive-date=March 21, 2021}}</ref>

===LGBT rights===

Blackburn opposes [[same-sex marriage]]<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Boucher|first1=Dave|date=June 26, 2015|title=Gay marriage: Tennessee reacts to landmark decision|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2015/06/26/reaction-supreme-court-gay-marriage-case/29271663/|url-status=live|access-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200731082208/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2015/06/26/reaction-supreme-court-gay-marriage-case/29271663/|archive-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref> and in 2004 and 2006 voted for proposed constitutional amendments to ban it.<ref name=":6" /> Of the Supreme Court's 2015 decision in ''[[Obergefell v. Hodges]]'', Blackburn said, "Despite this decision, no one can overrule the truth about what marriage actually is—a sacred institution between a man and a woman."<ref>{{cite web|title=Blackburn Statement on SCOTUS Marriage Ruling|url=https://blackburn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397760|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628215902/https://blackburn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397760|archive-date=June 28, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2017|publisher=House.gov}}</ref> In 2010, she voted against repealing the military's [[Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010|Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy]].<ref>{{cite web|title=House Vote 638 – Repeals 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'|date=August 12, 2015|url=https://projects.propublica.org/represent/votes/111/house/2/638|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107004248/https://projects.propublica.org/represent/votes/111/house/2/638|archive-date=November 7, 2017|access-date=October 25, 2017|publisher=ProPublica}}</ref>

During her tenure as a representative, Blackburn sought to remove [[Kevin Jennings]], a gay man who worked in the [[United States Department of Education]], saying that Jennings "has played an integral role in promoting homosexuality and pushing a pro-homosexual agenda in America’s schools".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Manzo|first=Kathleen|date=October 23, 2009|title=Controversy Still Swirls Around Safe-Schools Chief|work=Education Week|url=https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/28/09jennings.h29.html|access-date=July 12, 2020|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712004726/https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/28/09jennings.h29.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013, Blackburn voted to reauthorize the [[Violence Against Women Act]] in the House,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Reynard|first1=Mike|date=May 16, 2012|title=Press Release: Blackburn Statement on House Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act|url=https://blackburn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=295739|website=blackburn.house.gov|access-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915080930/http://blackburn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=295739|archive-date=September 15, 2012}}</ref> but voted against the Senate's version of the act, which expanded VAWA to apply to people regardless of sexual orientation.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Marsha_Blackburn_Civil_Rights.htm|title=Marsha Blackburn on Civil Rights|website=www.ontheissues.org|access-date=October 17, 2018|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018003003/http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Marsha_Blackburn_Civil_Rights.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> She argued that increasing the number of targets for VAWA funding would "dilute the money that needs to go into the sexual assault centers, domestic abuse centers, [and] child advocacy centers",<ref name="MSNBC VAWA Interview">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=DAtbkjv2KH0|title=Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) opposed VAWA because it helped too many "different groups"|publisher=MSNBC|access-date=January 28, 2018|date=March 4, 2013|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128200357/https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=DAtbkjv2KH0|url-status=live}}</ref> and said VAWA ought to remain focused on supporting women's shelters and facilitating law enforcement against crimes against women, rather than addressing other groups or issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.advocate.com/politics/2013/03/05/congresswoman-votes-against-vawa-because-lgbt-inclusiveness|title=Congresswoman Votes Against VAWA Because of LGBT Inclusiveness|date=March 5, 2013|publisher=The Advocate|access-date=October 25, 2017|quote=I didn't like the way it was expanded to include other different groups...What you need is something that is focused specifically to help the shelters and to help out law enforcement who is trying to work with the crimes that have been committed against women and helping them to stand up|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024016/https://www.advocate.com/politics/2013/03/05/congresswoman-votes-against-vawa-because-lgbt-inclusiveness|url-status=live}}</ref>

Blackburn voted against the [[Employment Non-Discrimination Act]] to ban discrimination against LGBT employees.<ref name=":6" /> In August 2019, she co-signed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that [[Civil Rights Act of 1964#Title VII—equal employment opportunity|Title VII]] of the [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] does not prohibit employment discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity.<ref>{{cite news |last=Caplan |first=Andrew |date=August 28, 2019 |title=Yoho joins GOP call to allow LGBTQ discrimination |url=https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190828/yoho-joins-gop-call-to-allow-lgbtq-discrimination |newspaper=Gainesville Sun |location=Gainesville, FL |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904075407/https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190828/yoho-joins-gop-call-to-allow-lgbtq-discrimination |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/18/18-107/113569/20190826112615797_17-1618%20-1623%2018-107%20Amici%20BOM%20Members%20of%20Congress.pdf|title=BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IN SUPPORT OF EMPLOYERS|publisher=supremecourt.gov|access-date=September 3, 2019|archive-date=August 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829010820/https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/18/18-107/113569/20190826112615797_17-1618%20-1623%2018-107%20Amici%20BOM%20Members%20of%20Congress.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Supreme Court nominations ===
On October 26, 2020, Blackburn voted to confirm [[Amy Coney Barrett]] to the Supreme Court of the United States. Barrett was confirmed by a vote of 52–48.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/116-2020/s224 |title=On the Nomination PN2252: Amy Coney Barrett, of Indiana, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States |website=Govtrack.us |date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106031627/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/116-2020/s224 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Blackburn wore a mask that read "Grin and Barrett" to the Senate vote.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollcall.com/2020/10/26/tensions-high-but-drama-largely-absent-at-barretts-senate-confirmation/|title=Tensions high but drama largely absent at Barrett's Senate confirmation|date=October 26, 2020|website=Roll Call |archive-date=6 November 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106031822/https://rollcall.com/2020/10/26/tensions-high-but-drama-largely-absent-at-barretts-senate-confirmation/ |first=Katherine |last=Tully-McManus}}</ref>

On March 22, 2022, during the confirmation hearings for [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] nominee [[Ketanji Brown Jackson]], Blackburn asked Jackson to define the word "woman". "'I can’t—' Jackson replied. 'You can’t?' Blackburn said. 'Not in this context. I’m not a biologist,' Jackson said. 'The meaning of the word woman is so unclear and controversial that you can’t give me a definition?' Blackburn asked."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/03/22/blackburn-jackson-define-the-word-woman-00019543|title=Blackburn to Jackson: Can you define 'the word woman'?|first=Myah|last=Ward|date=March 22, 2022|website=POLITICO |archive-date=6 November 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106031418/https://www.politico.com/news/2022/03/22/blackburn-jackson-define-the-word-woman-00019543}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/23/us/politics/ketanji-brown-jackson-woman-definition.html |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106030752/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/23/us/politics/ketanji-brown-jackson-woman-definition.html |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |title=A demand to define 'woman' injects gender politics into Jackson's confirmation hearings |work=The New York Times |date=23 March 2022}}</ref> On April 7, 2022, the Senate voted 53–47 to confirm Jackson to the Supreme Court; Blackburn voted against Jackson's confirmation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00134.htm |title=Roll Call Vote 117th Congress - 2nd Session |quote=Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation: Ketanji Brown Jackson, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States). |website=Senate.gov |date=April 7, 2022 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106031215/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00134.htm}}</ref>

=== Tech policy and antitrust ===
Blackburn has advocated increased regulation of technology companies and criticized alleged anti-conservative bias on major platforms.<ref name="dailybeast20201028" /> In June 2018, she published an op-ed arguing for greater oversight and restrictions on tech companies that sparked a vocal backlash among [[Google]] employees.<ref name="tennesseestar">{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jason|date=October 2, 2018|title=Senior Google Software Engineer Calls Marsha Blackburn 'Terrorist' and 'Violent Thug,' Supports Censorship|url=https://tennesseestar.com/2018/10/02/senior-google-software-engineer-calls-marsha-blackburn-terrorist-and-violent-thug-supports-censorship/|work=Tennessee Star|access-date=October 1, 2020|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101000834/https://tennesseestar.com/2018/10/02/senior-google-software-engineer-calls-marsha-blackburn-terrorist-and-violent-thug-supports-censorship/|url-status=live}}{{better source needed|date=March 2021}}</ref> During a 2020 [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation|Commerce Committee]] hearing in which she claimed that tech companies stifle free speech, Blackburn asked Google chief [[Sundar Pichai]] about the employment status of an employee who had criticized her.<ref name="politico20201028">{{cite news |last=Overly |first=Steven |date=October 28, 2020 |title=Blackburn asks Google if employee who criticized her still has a job |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/28/blackburn-questions-google-employee-433312 |work=Politico |location=Washington DC |access-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028190137/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/28/blackburn-questions-google-employee-433312 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="dailybeast20201028">{{cite news |last=Montgomery |first=Bale |date=October 28, 2020 |title=Sen. Blackburn Asks Google CEO If He Fired an Engineer Who Was Mean to Her |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/sen-marsha-blackburn-asks-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-if-he-fired-an-engineer-who-was-mean-to-her |work=The Daily Beast |access-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101040839/https://www.thedailybeast.com/sen-marsha-blackburn-asks-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-if-he-fired-an-engineer-who-was-mean-to-her |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="esquire">{{cite news |last=Pierce |first=Charles |date=October 29, 2020 |title=Sen. Blackburn Asks Google CEO If He Fired an Engineer Who Was Mean to Her |url=https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a34524589/tennessee-state-legislator-prescibe-opioids-lover-second-cousin/ |work=Esquire |access-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-date=November 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102081304/https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a34524589/tennessee-state-legislator-prescibe-opioids-lover-second-cousin/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[117th United States Congress]], Blackburn introduced the bipartisan [[Open App Markets Act]] alongside Senators [[Richard Blumenthal]] and [[Amy Klobuchar]]. The legislation is intended to curb [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] and [[Google]], the operators of the [[App Store (iOS/iPadOS)|App Store]] and [[Google Play]], from engaging in [[Anti-competitive practices|anti-competitive behavior]] in [[App marketplace|app markets]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blumenthal, Blackburn & Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Antitrust Legislation to Promote App Store Competition {{!}} U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut |url=https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-blackburn-and-klobuchar-introduce-bipartisan-antitrust-legislation-to-promote-app-store-competition |access-date=2022-02-26 |website=www.blumenthal.senate.gov |date=August 11, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Feiner |first=Lauren |title=Senate committee advances bill targeting Google and Apple's app store profitability |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/03/senate-committee-advances-open-app-markets-act.html |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=CNBC |date=February 3, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Blackburn also worked with Blumenthal to introduce children's online child safety legislation, known as the [[Kids Online Safety Act]] (KOSA).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Sara |date=2023-02-15 |title=The new Congress is enlisting kids in its ongoing fight with Big Tech |url=https://www.vox.com/recode/2023/2/15/23599879/congress-children-safety-online-big-tech |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Vox |language=en}}</ref>

===Telecommunications policy===
Blackburn opposes [[net neutrality in the United States]], calling it "socialistic".<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-marsha-blackburns-rise-is-bad-news-for-net-neutrality-and-science/|title=Why Marsha Blackburn's Rise Is Bad News for Net Neutrality and Science|first=Sam|last=Gustin|work=Motherboard|date=January 10, 2017 |publisher=[[Vice Media]]|quote=Blackburn has waged a relentless campaign against the FCC's policy safeguarding net neutrality, the principle that all internet content should be equally accessible, which she has disparaged as "socialistic."|access-date=March 30, 2017|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330181833/https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/why-marsha-blackburns-rise-is-bad-news-for-net-neutrality-and-science|url-status=live}}</ref> She opposes [[municipal broadband]] initiatives that aim to compete with [[Internet service provider]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/business/2015/03/republicans-internet-freedom-act-would-wipe-out-net-neutrality|title=Republicans' "Internet Freedom Act" would wipe out net neutrality|last1=Brodkin|first1=Jon|website=Arstechnica.com|date=March 5, 2015|access-date=February 26, 2017|archive-date=March 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304193857/https://arstechnica.com/business/2015/03/republicans-internet-freedom-act-would-wipe-out-net-neutrality/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/business/2014/07/congresswoman-defends-states-rights-to-protect-isps-from-muni-competition|title=Congresswoman defends "states' rights" to protect ISPs from muni competition|last1=Brodkin|first1=Jon|website=Ars Technica|date=July 16, 2014|access-date=February 26, 2017|archive-date=February 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225140305/https://arstechnica.com/business/2014/07/congresswoman-defends-states-rights-to-protect-isps-from-muni-competition/|url-status=live}}</ref> She supported bills that restrict municipalities from creating their own broadband networks, and wrote a bill to prevent the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) from [[Federal preemption|preempting]] state laws that blocked municipal broadband.<ref>Eggerton, John (July 16, 2014) [http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/blackburn-bill-would-block-fcc-preemption/132468 "Blackburn Bill Would Block FCC Preemption"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115034812/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/blackburn-bill-would-block-fcc-preemption/132468 |date=November 15, 2015 }}, ''Broadcasting & Cable''; retrieved December 30, 2015.</ref><ref>Sirota, David (July 16, 2014) [http://www.ibtimes.com/marsha-blackburn-r-tn-why-one-congresswoman-wants-block-fast-cheap-internet-her-1630060 "Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): Why One Congresswoman Wants To Block Fast, Cheap Internet In Her District"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801095908/http://www.ibtimes.com/marsha-blackburn-r-tn-why-one-congresswoman-wants-block-fast-cheap-internet-her-1630060 |date=August 1, 2016 }}, ''International Business Times''; retrieved December 30, 2015.</ref>

In 2017, Blackburn introduced to the House a measure to dismantle an Obama-administration online privacy rule that the FCC adopted in October 2016.<ref name="KangBlackburn">Cecilia Kang, [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/28/technology/congress-votes-to-overturn-obama-era-online-privacy-rules.html Congress Moves to Overturn Obama-Era Online Privacy Rules] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329205940/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/28/technology/congress-votes-to-overturn-obama-era-online-privacy-rules.html |date=March 29, 2017 }}, ''New York Times'' (March 28, 2017).</ref> Her measure, which was supported by [[broadband provider]]s but criticized by privacy advocates, repealed the rule that required broadband providers to obtain consumers' permission before sharing their online data, including browsing histories.<ref name="KangBlackburn" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vocativ.com/415597/house-vote-internet-providers-sell-browsing-history|title=House Votes To Let Internet Providers Sell Your Browsing History|date=March 28, 2017|website=Vocativ.com|access-date=March 28, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329015652/http://www.vocativ.com/415597/house-vote-internet-providers-sell-browsing-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> The measure passed the House in a party-line vote in March 2017, after a similar measure passed the Senate the same week.<ref name="KangBlackburn" /> She subsequently proposed legislation that expanded the requirement to include internet companies as well as broadband providers.<ref>Ali Breland, [https://thehill.com/policy/technology/334314-house-republican-unveils-new-internet-privacy-bill/ House Republican unveils internet privacy bill], ''The Hill'', May 19, 2017.</ref> As of 2017, Blackburn had accepted at least $693,000 in campaign contributions from telecom companies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Collier|first=Kevin|url=http://www.vocativ.com/415350/house-rep-pushing-to-set-back-online-privacy-rakes-in-industry-funds/|title=House Rep. Pushing To Set Back Online Privacy Rakes In Industry Funds|date=March 28, 2017|website=Vocativ.com|access-date=March 28, 2017|archive-date=March 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328133238/http://www.vocativ.com/415350/house-rep-pushing-to-set-back-online-privacy-rakes-in-industry-funds/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/meet-marsha-blackburn-big-telecoms-best-friend-in-congress/|date=July 16, 2014|title=Meet Marsha Blackburn, Big Telecom's Best Friend in Congress|first=Sam|last=Gustin|work=Motherboard|publisher=[[Vice Media]]|quote=Blackburn has also been a major recipient of financial support from the nation's largest telecom and cable companies.|access-date=March 30, 2017|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330181856/https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/meet-marsha-blackburn-big-telecoms-best-friend-in-congress|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Women's rights ===
In 2009, Blackburn voted against the [[Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009|Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act]] and the [[Paycheck Fairness Act]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/09/the-fringe-factor-women-don-t-want-equal-pay-laws|title=The Fringe Factor: Women Don't Want Equal Pay Laws|last=Dickson|first=Caitlin|date=June 9, 2013|work=The Daily Beast|access-date=May 9, 2018|language=en|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128200424/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-fringe-factor-women-dont-want-equal-pay-laws|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Marsha married Chuck Blackburn in 1974.<ref name=Baker/><ref>{{Cite news |date=1974-09-29 |title=Mary Marsha Wedgeworth wedding notice |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/clarion-ledger/67072613/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=Clarion-Ledger |pages=58}}</ref> They live in [[Brentwood, Tennessee|Brentwood]], a suburb of Nashville in Williamson County,<ref name=bio>{{cite web|title=Marsha Blackburn Congress|url=http://blackburn.house.gov/biography|website=Marsha Blackburn Biography|access-date=November 16, 2016|archive-date=November 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115152552/http://blackburn.house.gov/biography/|url-status=live}}</ref> and have two children.<ref name=Baker/> She is a [[Presbyterian Church in America|Presbyterian]] and a member of [[Christ Presbyterian Church (Nashville, Tennessee)|Christ Presbyterian Church]].<ref name=CM>Barnette, Amy, [http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jun/30/marsha-blackburn----7th-congressional-district ''Marsha Blackburn – 7th Congressional District''], ''[[The Commercial Appeal]]'', June 30, 2010; retrieved December 5, 2013.{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018000422/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jun/30/marsha-blackburn----7th-congressional-district/|date=October 18, 2012}}</ref>

Blackburn is a member of [[The Fellowship (Christian organization)|The C Street Family]], a prayer group that includes members of Congress.<ref name=cst>[http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/07/21/c_street/print.html Inside The C Street House] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724155034/http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/07/21/c_street/print.html|date=July 24, 2009}}, Salon.com, July 21, 2009.</ref> She is a former member of the [[Smithsonian Libraries]] Advisory Board.<ref name=bio/>

Blackburn is the author of ''The Mind of a Conservative Woman: Seeking the Best for Family and Country''. The book was published on September 1, 2020, by [[Hachette Book Group|Worthy Books]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharp |first1=Ashley |title=Sen. Marsha Blackburn speaks on new book release |url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/sen-marsha-blackburn-speaks-on-new-book-release/ |website=WKRN News 2 |access-date=October 6, 2021 |date=September 20, 2020}}</ref>

== Electoral history ==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ {{ushr|Tennessee|6|}}: 1992 results<ref name="clerkresults">{{cite web|title=Election Statistics|url=http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730201058/http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/index.html|archive-date=July 30, 2008|access-date=January 10, 2008|publisher=Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives}}</ref>{{efn|Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 1992, write-ins received 10 votes.}}
! Year
!
! Democratic
! Votes
! Pct
!
! Republican
! Votes
! Pct
!
! 3rd Party
! Party
! Votes
! Pct
!
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 1992|1992]] 
|
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''[[Bart Gordon]]''' '''(incumbent)'''
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |'''120,177'''
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''57%'''
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |Marsha Blackburn
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |86,289
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |41%
|
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |H. Scott Benson
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |[[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |5,952
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |3%
|
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ {{ushr|Tennessee|7|}}: Results 2002–2016<ref name="clerkresults" /><ref>{{cite web|title=2014 Midterm Election Results |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Elections/Tennessee|access-date=February 26, 2017|website=Abcnews.go.com|archive-date=February 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214140908/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Elections/Tennessee|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=State of Tennessee: State General: November 4, 2014|url=http://share.tn.gov/sos/election/results/20141104_CountyTotals_01.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905205830/http://share.tn.gov/sos/election/results/20141104_CountyTotals_01.pdf|archive-date=September 5, 2015|access-date=February 26, 2017|website=Share.tn.gov}}</ref>
! Year
!
! Democratic
! Votes
! Pct
!
! Republican
! Votes
! Pct
!
! 3rd Party
! Party
! Votes
! Pct
!
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2002|2002]]
| {{efn|Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 2002, write-ins received 31 votes.}}
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |Tim Barron
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |51,790
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |26%
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|'''Marsha Blackburn'''}} 
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''138,314'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''71%'''
|
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |Rick Patterson
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |[[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |5,423
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |3%
|
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2004|2004]]
|
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |''(no candidate)''
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''Marsha Blackburn''' '''(incumbent)'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''232,404'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''100%'''
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2006|2006]]
| {{efn|Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 2006, James B. "Mickey" White received 898 votes; William J. Smith received 848 votes; John L. Rimer received 710 votes, and Gayl G. Pratt received 663 votes.}}
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |Bill Morrison
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |73,369
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |32%
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''Marsha Blackburn''' '''(incumbent)'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''152,288'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''66%'''
|
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |Kathleen A. Culver
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |[[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |1,806
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |1%
|
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2008|2008]]
|
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |Randy Morris
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |98,207
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |31%
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''Marsha Blackburn''' '''(incumbent)'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''214,214'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''69%'''
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2010|2010]]
|
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |Greg Rabidoux
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |54,341
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |25%
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''Marsha Blackburn''' '''(incumbent)'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''158,892'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''72%'''
|
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |J.W. Stone
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |[[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |6,319
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |3%
|
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2012|2012]]
|
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |Credo Amouzouvik
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |61,050
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |24%
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''Marsha Blackburn''' '''(incumbent)'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''180,775'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''71%'''
|
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |Howard Switzer
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |Green
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |4,584
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |2%
|
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2014|2014]]
|
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |Daniel Cramer
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |42,280
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |26.8%
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''Marsha Blackburn''' '''(incumbent)'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''110,534'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''69.9%'''
|
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |Leonard Ladner
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |[[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |5,093
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |3.2%
|
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2016|2016]]
|
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |Tharon Chandler
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |65,226
| {{Party shading/Democratic}} |23.5%
|
| {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''Marsha Blackburn''' '''(incumbent)'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''200,407'''
| {{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''72.2%'''
|
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |Leonard Ladner
| {{Party shading/Independent}} |[[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |11,880
| {{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |4.3%
|
|}

{{Election box begin|title=[[2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee]]<ref>{{cite web|title=November 6, 2018 Unofficial Election Results|url=https://elections.tn.gov/results.php?ByOffice=United%20States%20Senate|publisher=Tennessee Secretary of State|access-date=November 9, 2018}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|candidate=Marsha Blackburn|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=1,227,483|percentage=54.71%|change=-10.18%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=[[Phil Bredesen]]|votes=985,450|percentage=43.92%|change=+13.51%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=Trudy Austin|votes=9,455|percentage=0.42%|change=N/A}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=Dean Hill|votes=8,717|percentage=0.39%|change=N/A}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=Kris L. Todd|votes=5,084|percentage=0.23%|change=N/A}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=John Carico|votes=3,398|percentage=0.15%|change=N/A}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=Breton Phillips|votes=2,226|percentage=0.10%|change=N/A}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=Kevin Lee McCants|votes=1,927|percentage=0.09%|change=N/A}}
{{Election box total|votes=2,243,740|percentage=100.00%|change=N/A}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Republican Party (United States)}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin |title=[[2024 United States Senate election in Tennessee]]<ref>{{Cite report|date=December 2, 2024|title=State of Tennessee General Election Results, November 5, 2024, Results By Office|url=https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/20241105GeneralbyOffice.pdf|publisher=Secretary of State of Tennessee|access-date=December 29, 2024}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Marsha Blackburn (incumbent)|votes=1,918,743|percentage=63.80%|change=+9.09%}}{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=[[Gloria Johnson (politician)|Gloria Johnson]]|votes=1,027,461|percentage=34.16%|change=-9.76%}}{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=Tharon Chandler|votes=28,444|percentage=0.95%|change=N/A}}{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=Pamela Moses|votes=24,682|percentage=0.82%|change=N/A}}{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent|candidate=Hastina Robinson|votes=8,278|percentage=0.28%|change=N/A}}{{Election box total
  |votes      =3,007,608
  |percentage =100.00%
}}{{Election box end}}

==See also==
* [[Women in the United States House of Representatives]]
* [[Women in the United States Senate]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
* [https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/ Official U.S. Senate website]
* [https://www.marshablackburn.com/ Campaign website]
* [https://freedomrings.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast website]
* {{C-SPAN|31226}}
* {{CongLinks | congbio=B001243 | votesmart=25186 | fec=S8TN00337 | congress=marsha-blackburn/B001243}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-par|us-hs}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Ed Bryant]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[List of United States representatives from Tennessee|U.S. House of Representatives]]<br>from [[Tennessee's 7th congressional district]]|years=2003–2019}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Mark Green (Tennessee politician)|Mark Green]]}}
|-
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Bob Corker]]}}
{{s-ttl|title={{nowrap|[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[List of United States senators from Tennessee|U.S. Senator]] from [[Tennessee]]}}<br>([[Classes of United States senators|Class 1]])|years=[[2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee|2018]], [[2024 United States Senate election in Tennessee|2024]]}}
{{s-inc|recent}}
|-
{{s-par|us-sen}}
{{s-bef|before=Bob Corker}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of United States senators from Tennessee|U.S. Senator (Class 1) from Tennessee]]|years=2019–present|alongside=[[Lamar Alexander]], [[Bill Hagerty]]}}
{{s-inc}}
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{{s-prec|usa}}
{{s-bef|rows=2|before=[[Cindy Hyde-Smith]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States order of precedence|Order of precedence of the United States]] <br>''{{small|as United States Senator}} ''|years=}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Josh Hawley]]}}
|-
{{s-ttl|title=[[Seniority in the United States Senate|United States senators by seniority]]|years=65th}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Kevin Cramer]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{TN-FedRep}}
{{Current U.S. senators}}
{{United States senators from Tennessee}}
{{USCongRep-start |congresses=108th–present [[United States Congress]]es |state=[[United States congressional delegations from Tennessee|Tennessee]]}}
{{USCongRep/TN/108}}
{{USCongRep/TN/109}}
{{USCongRep/TN/110}}
{{USCongRep/TN/111}}
{{USCongRep/TN/112}}
{{USCongRep/TN/113}}
{{USCongRep/TN/114}}
{{USCongRep/TN/115}}
{{USCongRep/TN/116}}
{{USCongRep/TN/117}}
{{USCongRep/TN/118}}
{{USCongRep/TN/119}}
{{USCongRep-end}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Blackburn, Marsha}}
[[Category:1952 births]]
[[Category:20th-century American women politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the Tennessee General Assembly]]
[[Category:20th-century Presbyterians]]
[[Category:21st-century American women politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century members of the Tennessee General Assembly]]
[[Category:21st-century United States representatives]]
[[Category:21st-century United States senators]]
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[[Category:American anti-abortion activists]]
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[[Category:Beauty queen-politicians]]
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[[Category:Republican Party United States senators from Tennessee]]
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