Gloria Johnson Runs Against Marsha Blackburn for Senate

Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson, known for her role in the Tennessee Three, is set to challenge U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn for one of Tennessee’s U.S. Senate seats. Johnson gained national attention after her Republican colleagues attempted to expel her and two other representatives from the statehouse. Both candidates secured their party nominations in the recent primary, with Johnson leveraging her newfound visibility to bolster her campaign. Political analysts suggest that Johnson's campaign may benefit from heightened Democratic enthusiasm, particularly following Vice President Kamala Harris's support from Tennessee delegates at the Democratic National Convention. Additionally, there is growing discontent with the Republican supermajority in the state, which could provide Johnson with a potential advantage in the upcoming election. Despite these factors, the race is not expected to significantly impact the overall balance of power in Congress, as Blackburn is currently favored to win the general election. The historical context is notable, as no Democrat has won a statewide race in Tennessee since Phil Bredesen's governorship in 2006, highlighting the challenges Johnson faces. Blackburn, who has been in the Senate since 2018, is a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and enjoys strong approval ratings among her constituents. As the election approaches, Johnson's campaign will need to galvanize support to overcome the long-standing Republican dominance in Tennessee politics.