New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is scheduled to give the keynote speech at the Tennessee Republican Party's annual fundraiser on May 30.
State Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney said the appearance will give voters a chance to form their own impressions about Christie as he considers a presidential bid.
Christie has been working to revive his image following a political retribution scandal in which his aides ordered the closing of lanes near New Jersey's George Washington Bridge.
Wednesday's announcement comes on the same day that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, another potential Republican presidential candidate, was making an appearance in Nashville.
The Tennessee GOP event is chaired by U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who cited Christie's electoral successes in a largely Democratic state and said the New Jersey governor "knows what it takes to lead."