By Erik Schelzig | On The Hill
State Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville says she has raised $1.3 million in the first quarter since announcing her bid for the U.S. Senate.
Johnson, who was one of three Democratic lawmakers targeted for expulsion from the state House for mounting a gun protest from the well of the chamber (she avoided the ouster by a single vote), wants to challenge U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Brentwood) next year.
Here’s the release from the Johnson campaign:
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Today, Rep. Gloria Johnson, the retired special education teacher running for U.S. Senate in Tennessee, announced an historic first-quarter fundraising total of $1.3 million. This impressive sum is the most money raised in the first quarter by a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Tennessee since 1982 and possibly ever.
The strong fundraising total underscores the widespread support for Johnson’s campaign in the Volunteer State and beyond. The campaign received a total of 25,365 contributions with the average donation totaling just $51.27. Contributions came from people in all 95 Tennessee counties and all 50 states.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support — we are building a true multi-generational, multi-racial coalition that puts everyday people and working families back in charge,” said Gloria Johnson, who officially announced her campaign on Sept. 5. “Our grassroots team is full of Americans who are sick of corrupt politicians who only serve themselves and corporate special interests while they sell out the communities they were elected to serve.
“We are just getting started,” said Johnson. “The support we’ve seen this quarter is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the desire for effective, principled leadership in the Senate. I am committed to delivering results for the people of Tennessee and I’ll work my tail off to make sure their voices are heard in Washington.”
For more information about Gloria Johnson’s campaign, please visit votegloriajohnson.com.