NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson, who gained national recognition as a member of the Tennessee Three after a failed attempt by Republican colleagues in the statehouse to expel her and two others, is set to challenge U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn for one of Tennessee’s U.S. Senate seats. Both Blackburn and Johnson secured their respective party nominations in a recent primary election.
Johnson successfully leveraged the spotlight she shared with state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson to propel her campaign, ultimately winning the nomination to oppose Blackburn, who has served in the Senate since her election in 2018.
Analysts suggest that Johnson’s campaign could gain traction due to a surge in Democratic enthusiasm following Vice President Kamala Harris’s rise, particularly since Tennessee delegates were among the first to back her during the Democratic National Convention. Additionally, growing discontent with the state’s Republican supermajority may further bolster Johnson’s appeal.
However, despite the stakes for control of Congress this November, the balance of power may not hinge on this race. Blackburn is considered the favorite to win in the general election, as no Democrat has secured a statewide victory in Tennessee since Phil Bredesen’s win in the gubernatorial race in 2006.
During her tenure, Blackburn has positioned herself as a staunch advocate of former President Donald Trump and continues to enjoy strong approval ratings among her supporters. She previously chaired the GOP Platform Committee for the Republican National Convention and presented the party’s platform at the event.
