NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Former astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore of Middle Tennessee has officially entered the race 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, filed paperwork to run on Feb. 25.
He joins 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 deadline to register as a candidate for governor is March 10.
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.