The Big Red Machine could be headed to the U.S. Senate if Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) wins the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial race.
Glenn Jacobs, who formerly wrestled in the WWE as Kane – one half of the Brothers of Destruction with his storyline half-brother the Undertaker – has been mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, since 2018, when he defeated his Democratic opponent Linda Haney with a vote of 66.39% to 33.61%. In 2022, he won reelection against Democrat Debbie Helsley.
Since entering the political world, he has been involved in Libertarian politics, despite launching his campaign for Tennessee mayor in 2017 as a Republican.
While his name circulated as a possible candidate for Tennessee governor, the Knox County mayor announced that he would not be running for the state's top office. Instead, he endorsed Senator Blackburn for the post.
However, if Senator Blackburn wins, she would appoint her replacement in the senate, and rumors are beginning to swirl that the Knox County mayor could fill the seat.
Axios reports that Mayor Jacobs is “viewed as a top candidate” to fill Senator Blackburn’s vacancy if she ascends to Tennessee governor in November.
Mayor Jacobs, who endorsed President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, is seen as a rising star in American politics. So much so that President Trump posted about him in a Truth social post, writing, “Glenn Jacobs has a BIG political future in Tennessee – A great guy!!!”
Despite the name recognition and alleged backing, the Knox County mayor has indicated that he needs to assess his future political progress, citing that he would make a decision based on the best interest of his family.
Jacobs began his wrestling career in 1992 before debuting as the masked wrestler Kane in the late 90s. The role earned him a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.
Another contender for the vacancy is former Knox County mayor Tim Burchett, who's currently serving in the House.
