Gloria Johnson jumped head first into political organizing in 2008. Although she’d never been involved in campaign politics before, when Barack Obama invited her to get involved, she jumped at the opportunity. During the 2008 campaign, Johnson spent countless hours volunteering her time and effort to help elect Barack Obama. She effectively organized hundreds of volunteers in the Knoxville area, coordinating phone banking, canvassing, voter registration drives and organizing a full time volunteer office.

In July of last year, a gunman opened fire at a church known to be one of the most progressive in Knoxville, killing two church members and wounding several others. But this tragic event strengthened the resolve of Johnson and other Knoxville Democrats who refused to be intimidated by the politics of fear and hate.

Johnson emerged from the Obama campaign more determined than ever to do her part to turn Tennessee blue and decided to run for County Chair. She was elected Chair by unanimous acclamation, receiving thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

Since her election, Johnson has hit the ground running. She has continued to mobilize an energized base of supporters, and has been working to train, equip, and empower more volunteers in the community. Johnson is determined to build a strong coalition of Democrats in East Tennessee.

For more information, visit Gloria’s page on TNDP.org, the Knox County group, or the website of the Knox County Democratic Party.