WASHINGTON _ Tennessee Rep. Diane Black announced a long-expected run for governor on Wednesday.
The four-term lawmaker, who became the first woman to chair the Budget Committee earlier this year, will not run for re-election to the 6th District in 2018. She's vying to become the Volunteer State's first female governor.
"I'm Diane Black, and I don't back down," the congresswoman says her in announcement video. "It's just how I'm wired."
One of the wealthiest members of Congress, she can afford to self-fund part of her campaign.
President Donald Trump won Black's district by nearly 50 points. Black won re-election by a similar 49-point margin last fall. She leaves behind a safe GOP seat that's likely to attract a crowded primary field.
Former state Commissioner of Agriculture John Rose could afford to self-fund a campaign. Republicans in the state also point to state Rep. Cameron Sexton, state Rep. Judd Matheny and Secretary of State Tre Hargett as potential contenders.
