Ringside News · Steve Carrier · September 8, 2026
WWE Hall of Famer Kane may be finished running Knox County, but Glenn Jacobs could have another much bigger political job waiting in the wings. Jacobs is being discussed as a possible choice to replace U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn if she wins Tennessee's governor's race and leaves her Senate seat.
Axios lists Jacobs as a top candidate for a potential appointment. Blackburn has said she intends to remain in the Senate until she is sworn in as governor if she wins, which would leave her responsible for naming an interim replacement to the seat.
Jacobs just wrapped up eight years as Knox County mayor after reaching the county's two-term limit. He was first elected in 2018 and served two consecutive four-year terms before leaving office at the beginning of September. Jacobs hasn't committed to chasing another office. When discussing his political future with WATE, he said any decision would have to make sense for his family, while also questioning whether his experience running Knox County would translate to representing the entire state.
"When asked about his political future, Jacobs said he would have to consider whether or not it would be the right decision for his family. He added that running Knox County is a big job, and he would have to consider if he has the right skill set to run for statewide office and represent all 95 counties in Tennessee."
Jacobs had previously been viewed as a possible candidate for Tennessee governor but ultimately stayed out of that race and endorsed Blackburn. Axios now says his name is among those drawing attention for the potential Senate appointment, along with U.S. Representatives Tim Burchett and Chuck Fleischmann. President Donald Trump has also publicly praised Jacobs' political future. In May, Trump posted a short message about the former WWE Champion on Truth Social.
"Glenn Jacobs has a BIG political future in Tennessee - A great guy!!!"
Nothing has been decided at this point. Blackburn's campaign told Axios there will be no discussions about a potential replacement until the appropriate time and said its current focus is the November election.
If Blackburn becomes governor and appoints someone to the Senate seat, that person would serve until a statewide election in 2028. Another election would then be held in 2030 for the next full six-year Senate term.
So Kane's days running Knox County are over, but Jacobs may not be done with politics at all. For now, his name is firmly in the conversation for a potential move from county government all the way to the United States Senate.