Gloria Johnson of 'Tennessee Three' preps 2024 Senate bid

Tennessee Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson has filed the paperwork to start an exploratory committee for a 2024 Senate bid in the Volunteer State.

Johnson, 61, obtained nationwide fame as a member of the "Tennessee Three," a group of Democratic lawmakers whom the Tennessee legislature sought to remove from office due to their actions during a gun control protest at the state Capitol earlier this year.

"Tennessee has a Senator that stands with bullies, I have a reputation for standing up to bullies. I'm taking a serious look at this race and having great conversations with folks who are hungry for better leadership in Washington," Johnson said, according to the Associated Press.

State Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were both removed from their post during the incident, though Johnson escaped expulsion herself. Jones and Pearson were both reappointed by their constituencies and reseated shortly thereafter.

Both reclaimed their seats in special elections last week.

Should Johnson follow through on her bid, she could challenge Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, but would first need to secure the Democratic nomination.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.