Mary Marsha Blackburn, born Mary Marsha Wedgeworth on June 6, 1952, is a distinguished American politician and businesswoman, currently serving as the senior United States senator from Tennessee. Her illustrious career in politics spans multiple decades, with her first foray into elected office dating back to 1999 when she became a state senator, a position she held until 2003.
Blackburn's next notable achievement was her election to the United States House of Representatives, where she represented Tennessee's 7th congressional district from 2003 to 2019. During her tenure in the House, she earned recognition as one of the most conservative members of Congress, according to the National Journal.
In 2018, Blackburn made history by becoming the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee, defeating Democratic former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen in the November 6 election. Her victory marked a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in American politics.
In January 2021, Blackburn became the senior senator from Tennessee following the retirement of Senator Lamar Alexander. Throughout her career, Blackburn has been a vocal supporter of the Tea Party movement and has consistently backed former President Donald Trump.
