Did Tennessee’s next governor visit WLAF on Tuesday?

Congressman John Rose, a Republican candidate for governor, made a stop at WLAF

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- A complaint by John Rose to his wife one day on the family farm prompted her to tell him to quit talking so much about it, and do something about it. The four-term Congressman took her words to heart, and he has been running for governor ever since.

Rose, an 8th generation Tennessean, spent the day in Campbell County on Tuesday, and WLAF hosted the four term congressman on the air after lunch.

The Cookeville native has had success in the private sector developing a business, IT, and operating it, and he continues operating his family farm that dates back to the 1700s. “I think I have the right skill set to serve as governor. The successful governors in my lifetime have come from business backgrounds. I’m hoping the people of Tennessee will give me the opportunity to guide this state for the next four to eight years,” said Rose.

The down to earth Rose can relate to about anyone on the street. “When you’ve been in business and have been on the regulated side of the world, then you have an appreciation for that, and certainly as a farmer and a business owner building businesses, I know what it’s like to be in the trenches to sign the front side of a paycheck and not just the backside,” said Rose.

The 60 year old Rose previously served as the 33rd agriculture commissioner of Tennessee in the early 2000s.

These experiences on the regulated side of life, especially where his farm is concerned, is something Rose feels has helped make his job in Washington easier. “It gives me more perspective to what you might be doing to other people. Sometimes it’s easy when you’re way up high, and you pass a law, you don’t think about how your decision is going to impact the average American. Because I have been where they are, I have a greater appreciation, and I think it will make be a better governor,” said Rose.

Though Rose earned his law degree at Vanderbilt, he’s still a Tennessee fan. “I’m pulling for us against Alabama this weekend and hope we can get a win,” said Rose. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-10/15/2025-6AM)