NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Former NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore of Middle Tennessee is considering running for governor, according to the latest candidate list on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
Wilmore, a native of Mount Juliet who spent months in space during his NASA career, was issued paperwork to run on Feb. 25. All candidates must file official petitions with enough signatures by the March 10 deadline. Wilmore, and a list of other candidates, have not yet completed this final step to enter the race.
Wilmore would join Republican candidates, including U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Rep. John Rose, in the race to replace Gov. Bill Lee, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits.
The contest is shaping up as a competitive Republican primary, with Wilmore’s unique background as an astronaut adding a high-profile name to the ballot.
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FOX17 spoke with Wilmore on Tuesday, who said he had been weighing a candidacy for some time. Wilmore said he felt “privileged to have served, and it’s a privilege to serve,” adding that he wants to focus on “the state that has given me so much.” He described a potential run for governor as a “final mission.”