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Gloria Johnson
born 1962-05-25 (Age 62)
Education
Johnson earned both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Education, specializing in special education, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Experience
With a career spanning over 27 years as a special education teacher in Knox County Schools, Johnson’s background in education has heavily influenced her legislative priorities. Her experience in the classroom shaped her focus on equitable access to resources and support for Tennessee’s public schools. In her role as a state legislator, Johnson has served multiple terms, emphasizing legislation aimed at improving education and protecting workers' rights.
Personal Statement (excerpt from Johnson's campaign site)
Early on Gloria’s family instilled in her the drive to put people first, no matter the cost. Growing up, Gloria remembers sleeping in the hallway of their family home, instead of her bedroom, to avoid gunshots from the KKK. The Klan terrorized her family because Gloria’s Dad, an FBI Special Agent, had the courage to investigate their wickedness in the Deep South and bring members of the KKK to justice.
A special education teacher of 27 years, Gloria was fed up with elected officials attacking the rights of public school students and teachers. After the legislature took away a teacher’s seat at the table, she decided to run for the Tennessee House in Knoxville in 2012 — she won and has been fighting to hold extreme politicians and special interests accountable ever since.
This year, when a murderer stole the lives of three 9-year-olds and three adults in a mass school shooting in Tennessee, Gloria once again stood tall for victims of injustice. As a member of the “Tennessee Three” she demanded Republican politicians in Nashville stop with the BS and pass gun safety measures to prevent future shootings. For speaking truth to power, Republican leaders tried to kick her out of office. But Gloria survived the politically charged expulsion vote and she is now helping to build a statewide movement for change.
In August 2023, during a special legislative session, Gloria stood up before Tennessee’s leadership to recount the day her former high school was devastated by a school shooting, where her students witnessed their classmate take his last breath. Her Republican colleagues were interested in protecting guns instead of kids, and instead passed draconian legislation to censor grieving families and elected leaders at the Tennessee Capitol.
Tennesseans are fed up with corrupt, “do nothing” politicians, like Marsha Blackburn, who has taken millions from the pharmaceutical industry, the NRA and the insurance industry while voting against lowering our drug costs, against bipartisan gun reform, and for denying coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. And Tennessee women deserve a Senator who trusts them to make their own medical decisions, unlike Blackburn who called the repeal of Roe v. Wade “a blessing” and has long supported passing a federal abortion ban.
Community Involvement and Recognition
Johnson is actively involved in the Knoxville community, participating in events and initiatives aimed at improving education, expanding healthcare access, and supporting local workers. She has engaged with local organizations, attended town halls, and supported grassroots campaigns in Knoxville, often prioritizing issues like affordable housing and community safety. Her community work has earned her recognition from groups advocating for educational reform and labor rights, and she is a frequent speaker at events related to social justice and public education.
Controversies and Critiques
Johnson has faced political challenges and criticism, particularly related to her advocacy for gun control following the school shooting incident in Tennessee. Some of her Republican colleagues attempted to expel her from office for her outspoken stance, which she has characterized as politically motivated. Additionally, her legislative efforts have drawn scrutiny from opponents who disagree with her focus on gun safety measures and other progressive policies.