Congressman John Rose pitched his 5-point plan at a packed Williamson GOP event, fielding grassroots questions on education, mandates, and state reform.
Over this past weekend, U.S. Congressman John Rose addressed a crowd of Republicans at Kings Bowl in Cool Springs, speaking candidly about his top five priorities should he become the next Governor of Tennessee. The event, hosted by the Williamson County GOP, gave attendees an early look at Rose’s policy focus and leadership philosophy, as well as a chance to ask pointed questions—many of them shaped by the lingering discontent from the COVID-19 era.
Rose, who officially declared his candidacy for governor in March, appeared alongside his wife Chelsea and their two young sons. The couple spoke passionately about their commitment to pro-life policies, children’s welfare, and preserving conservative values in Tennessee.
Notably, Rose was the only member of Tennessee’s congressional delegation who refused to certify the 2020 presidential election, voting to object to the electoral college results from Arizona and Georgia—distinguishing him from Blackburn and others with Tennessee ties
While the tone of the event was warm and collegial, the reception was measured. It was a friendly meeting enjoyed by all and the crowd was interested in getting to know the candidate, but whether the crowd was entirely won over by the presentation was unclear.
Rose’s Five Priorities
Rose emphasized the following five issues as the central pillars of his campaign:
1. Education – Rose called for stronger public-school outcomes, increased accountability, and the appointment of a Commissioner of Education who has actual teaching experience in a Tennessee public school classroom.
2. Infrastructure – Beyond roads and bridges, Rose highlighted water treatment, waste management, and broadband access as critical infrastructure issues, especially in rural counties.
3. Healthcare Access – Noting that Tennessee has lost more rural hospitals than any state except Texas, Rose promised to address healthcare deserts in the state’s underserved counties.
4. Energy – With the rise of data centers and tech industries like xAI setting up shop in Memphis, Rose warned that Tennessee’s energy grid must be prepared to meet growing demand.
5. Economic and Community Development – Rose emphasized the need to be more selective about which businesses are recruited to Tennessee, making it clear he believes companies receiving state incentives should align with Tennessee’s conservative values.
On COVID and Constitutional Rights
The issue that drew some of the most passionate response from the audience was the state’s handling of COVID. One attendee asked Rose directly about vaccines, masks, and mandates—issues that still sting for many grassroots conservatives who felt betrayed by the Republican supermajority and Governor Bill Lee during the pandemic.
Rose responded by acknowledging that the nation “overreacted” during COVID and emphasized that government overreach should never again intrude upon constitutional freedoms. He tied the response to broader principles of the First and Second Amendments, arguing that rights come with costs but are essential bulwarks against tyranny.
Education Policy and School Vouchers
Another attendee challenged Rose on Governor Lee’s education policies—specifically the lack of measurement tied to the school voucher program and the appointment of out-of-state officials, including controversial commissioners who allowed progressive content into Tennessee classrooms.
Rose responded that his administration would appoint a commissioner who has taught in Tennessee public schools, stressing the importance of lived experience and trust. He expressed general support for school choice but agreed that accountability and outcome-based assessments are vital to evaluating any education spending.
Chelsea Rose added that students should graduate ready for the real world—whether headed to college or not—and emphasized the importance of vocational training and life skills as part of the high school curriculum.
Artificial Intelligence and Energy Policy
When asked about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, Rose offered a cautiously optimistic view. He sees AI as a powerful tool with the potential for both great benefit and abuse, and he urged thoughtful governance rather than reactive regulation. He noted that Tennessee must ensure access to energy to remain competitive in attracting data-driven industries and pledged to ensure Tennessee is not constrained by energy shortages.
Child Welfare and DCS Reform
One of the most poignant questions came from veteran attorney, Connie Reguli, who outlined the deep dysfunction in the Department of Children’s Services, citing monetary incentives that allegedly prioritize separation over family reunification. Rose agreed that the current system is failing and hinted at a need for structural reform. Chelsea Rose also spoke from personal family experience, emphasizing that vulnerable children often fall through the cracks in government systems.
Skepticism Toward Blackburn Looms
Though Rose never mentioned her directly, the political elephant in the room was Senator Marsha Blackburn, widely expected to be his top rival for the GOP nomination. Yet, she has not declared her candidacy—an absence that has spurred intense speculation. Chief among those theories is the uncertain status of a Trump endorsement and whether the former president will weigh in to support one candidate over another as he heads into what could be a difficult second half of his term, should the impending mid-term elections not produce what is currently a Republican controlled House of Representatives.
That speculation was reinforced by the presence of two young men at the event wearing Marsha Blackburn stickers—one of whom recorded the entirety of Rose’s remarks. Observers noted the move, hinting at Blackburn’s campaign interest in keeping close tabs on Rose’s early momentum.
One thing that is clear is that many in the grassroots of Blackburn’s own district already feel Rose has an advantage simply because he isn’t Marsha Blackburn. That sentiment is particularly strong among movement conservatives who remain wary of Blackburn’s ties to establishment figures—especially her chief political consultant, and primary handler,Ward Baker.
Baker, a longtime GOP strategist, formerly served as Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and has deep connections to Mitch McConnell’s Washington machine. He’s seen as a quintessential establishment operative—precisely the type of figure grassroots conservatives have worked hard to push out of influence in recent years. His continued role in directing Blackburn’s campaigns is, for many, disqualifying.
To those voters, it’s not just about policies—it’s about who controls the campaign. And Ward Baker represents the wing of the party that the grassroots believe has betrayed their values time and time again.
As the gubernatorial primary season approaches, Congressman Rose appears to be making a case that he can offer a clean break from those dynamics. Whether that message gains traction beyond the early, friendly audiences remains to be seen—but in Williamson County on Saturday, he at least got a foot in the door.
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