Tennessee's 2024 Senate Race: Marsha Blackburn Faces Gloria Johnson in Heated Contest

Blackburn, a strong conservative voice in the Senate since 2018, is backed by prominent figures like former President Donald Trump. In contrast, Johnson, who gained attention as part of the "Tennessee Three" for her activism on gun safety, has garnered significant support among Democrats. Independent candidates Tharon Chandler, Pamela Jeanine, and Hastina Robinson also bring varied perspectives to the race.

Tennessee Senate Race 2024: Key Candidates and Issues
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee
Marsha Blackburn, 72, is seeking her second Senate term. A longtime conservative, Blackburn previously served eight terms in the U.S. House and was also a Tennessee state senator. Her legislative priorities include fighting online exploitation, securing the border, and reducing government spending. With endorsements from figures like Donald Trump, Blackburn emphasizes her commitment to conservative values, including border security, fiscal conservatism, and opposition to abortion rights.

Key Campaign Issues for Blackburn

• Holding tech companies accountable for data privacy and content moderation
• Reducing taxes and government spending
• Strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws
• Protecting unborn life through anti-abortion policies
• Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville

Gloria Johnson, 62, currently serves in Tennessee’s House of Representatives, where she represents Knoxville. Johnson is known for her advocacy on gun safety and public education. Her stance on these issues has sometimes put her at odds with Tennessee’s Republican-led legislature, notably when she faced a failed expulsion attempt following her participation in a gun control protest. Johnson, a former special education teacher, supports expanding healthcare access, affordable housing, and bipartisan gun control measures.

 

Key Campaign Issues for Johnson

• Defending abortion rights
• Pushing for bipartisan gun legislation
• Making housing, groceries, and education more affordable
• Expanding healthcare in rural areas and reducing prescription drug costs
• Increasing funding for public education
• Independent Candidates

The race also includes three independent contenders, each with unique backgrounds and policy priorities:

• Tharon Chandler – Farmer and Army veteran focused on rural issues
• Pamela Jeanine – Former Memphis mayoral candidate
• Hastina Robinson – Emergency medical technician aiming to bring healthcare insights to policy

As the race progresses, polls indicate that Blackburn holds a significant lead, though Johnson’s campaign has galvanized Tennessee’s Democratic base, especially around issues of gun safety and reproductive rights. The outcome will serve as a test of Tennessee’s current political landscape, with both candidates’ platforms offering voters distinct visions for the future.