Image Credit: Jacobs for Mayor / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Republican Knox County mayor Glenn “Kane” Jacobs, a former WWE wrestler and outspoken Trump supporter, recently spoke to the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club about the future for Republicans post-election, even hinting at some of his own potential options.
Jacobs believes Tennessee will be critical for the success of the Republican party in future, especially given its seven-point swing to the right during this most recent election. “I think that now in Tennessee, we have the ability not just to be a firewall but actually to be a standard bearer that conservative principles work,” he said.
He also cited concerns about Tennessee’s notoriously low voter turnout, particularly during non-election years, “It’s one of the things we need to emphasize a lot more. Democrats work hard, they’re organized, and they get out and vote in every election and that’s something Republicans need to realize. So, we just have to do a better job of it.”
Both Jacobs and Governor Bill Lee are term-limited for their current positions, and many conservatives are already on the lookout for a gubernatorial candidate who will better reflect their values.
“Kane”, who touts himself as a “Ron Paul Republican,” garnered much attention when he resisted Covid lockdowns and condemned Governor Lee’s stay-at-home order. He has also managed to keep property tax rates steady, advocated for and implemented vocational training programs, and serves as the state chairman for U.S. Term Limits.
President Trump has also previously endorsed Jacobs, calling him a, “friend of mine,” and the mayor has spoken at Trump rallies, even appearing in an endorsement video with fellow WWE legend The Undertaker.
When asked at the Pachyderm meeting about a bid for the Governor’s seat, Jacobs’ reply was simply, “For me, I’m still basking in the victory. There’s a lot of things that’s going to shake out over the next several weeks up until the inauguration, so we’re just going to see.”
Yet in an interview with the Washington Examiner earlier in the year regarding a potential run, he hinted there may be more to come, “Yes. I have two more years in office and am term-limited, so I’m considering my options, including whether I’ll remain in politics.”
There are currently no declared candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race, though reportedly, several prominent names like U.S. Rep. Mark Green, TN House Speaker Cameron Sexton, and TN Secretary of State Tre Hargett are exploring potential bids for the office.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
2 Responses
He would be a great relief after suffering under RINO Bill Lee’s spineless administration. Glenn Jacobs has shown good common sense during the covid19 attacks on freedom and supports conservative constitutional protections to prevent civil rights abuses and genocides in the future. I don’t know enough about him on all issues, but appreciate what I have seen as solid MAGA type that we need to counter the Marxist/democrat evil axis.
There long have been reports that both John Rose (Heritage-98%) and Mark Green (95%) are almost certainly going to run for governor in 2026. Thus, it appears as though we will have a number of solid conservative candidates to choose from. No reason to even think of supporting some plutocrat with lots of money and little or no conservative record who wants to buy himself the governorship of Tennessee.