On the morning of July 25, 2025, Congressman John Rose, the 2026 Republican candidate for Tennessee Governor, gathered with his campaign team in Knoxville to share polling insights, discuss strategy, and engage with invited supporters. While the specifics of these meetings remain confidential to honor the trust placed in me—a principle I’ve upheld since serving as Knox County Republican Party Chairman in 2005—this post introduces the four key players driving Rose’s campaign. Two are familiar faces from my years in Tennessee politics, and two I met for the first time at this event.
Congressman John Rose: A Lifelong Tennessean with a Proven Track Record
Congressman John Rose, now in his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District, is a household name in Cookeville, where he was raised and still resides with his wife, Chelsea, and their sons, Guy and Sam. Rooted in a family farm in DeKalb and Smith Counties that spans over 230 years, Rose’s connection to rural Tennessee runs deep. He continues to steward this legacy while serving on the House Agriculture Committee and House Financial Services Committee.
Beyond farming, Rose is a successful entrepreneur, owning Boson Software, LLC, an I.T. training company. His public service includes a tenure as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture and a 12-year volunteer role with the Tennessee State Fair Association, where he served as Chairman. Under his leadership, the group revived the century-old State Fair after Nashville’s Metro Fair Board abandoned it in 2010. Today, the fair thrives at the Wilson County-State Fairgrounds in Lebanon, within Rose’s district.
Rose’s academic credentials are equally impressive: a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness economics from Tennessee Technological University, a Master of Science in agricultural economics from Purdue University, and a Juris Doctorate from Vanderbilt University. He and his family are active members of the Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ in Cookeville.
Campaign Chair Chris Devaney: A Tennessee Political Veteran
Leading Rose’s campaign is Chris Devaney, a figure I’ve known since 2005 when he served as Political Director for the Tennessee Republican Party under Chairman Bob Davis. Devaney’s career highlights include helping elect Tennessee’s only freshman U.S. Senator in 2006 and serving as Tennessee Republican Party Chairman from 2009 to 2015. Currently a partner at the Poplar Group, a public affairs firm, Devaney has shifted focus to public relations but is stepping back into campaign leadership for Rose.
Devaney’s campaign experience is extensive, having led Governor Bill Lee’s 2018 campaign, Dr. Manny Sethi’s 2020 U.S. Senate bid, and General Kurt Winstead’s 2022 campaign for the Fifth Congressional District. His strategic expertise makes him a cornerstone of Rose’s team.
Campaign Consultant Mark Harris: Bringing National Wins to Tennessee
Mark Harris of Coldspark brings a national perspective to the campaign. Coldspark recently celebrated a major victory with Dave McCormick’s U.S. Senate win in Pennsylvania. In 2025, Harris is also working with Republican Virginia gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears. His strategic insight and proven success in high-stakes races position him as a critical asset for Rose’s bid.
Campaign Pollster Jim McLaughlin: Data-Driven Expertise
Jim McLaughlin, the campaign’s pollster, is no stranger to high-profile races. With extensive work for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, McLaughlin brings a wealth of polling experience. He is currently polling for Tennessee State Representative Lee Reeves in the special election for Tennessee’s Seventh Congressional District. His data-driven approach will guide Rose’s campaign strategy.
A $6.1 Million Head Start
Rose enters the race with a significant financial advantage, boasting a $6.1 million war chest. With this head start and a seasoned team, Rose is poised to make a strong case for Tennessee’s governorship.
Pictured below: Mark Harris, Jim McLaughlin, and Congressman John Rose.
Note: Out of respect for the trust placed in me by campaigns and candidates, I do not disclose details from private campaign meetings, a practice I’ve maintained since 2005.
