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Fall matchup set between 'Tennessee Three' Democrat Gloria Johnson and GOP US Sen. Marsha Blackburn

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Fall matchup set between 'Tennessee Three' Democrat Gloria Johnson and GOP US Sen. Marsha Blackburn
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Fall matchup set between 'Tennessee Three' Democrat Gloria Johnson and GOP US Sen. Marsha Blackburn

2024-08-02 11:06 Last Updated At:11:10

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a top Republican ally of former President Donald Trump, will square off this fall in Tennessee against Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson, whose progressive profile rose nationally when her GOP colleagues tried to boot her from office over a gun control protest on the chamber floor.

Both women fended off primary challenges Thursday, setting up a distinctly different general election than Blackburn faced when she first won her office in 2018 while she was in the U.S. House.

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U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., center, is greeted by supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., center, is greeted by supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Democratic senate candidate Gloria Johnson, right, visits with supporters during an election night watch party at Ghost River Brewing Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Democratic senate candidate Gloria Johnson, right, visits with supporters during an election night watch party at Ghost River Brewing Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Democratic senate candidate Gloria Johnson, center, greets supporters during an election night watch party at Ghost River Brewing Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Democratic senate candidate Gloria Johnson, center, greets supporters during an election night watch party at Ghost River Brewing Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Democratic congressional candidate Maryam Abolfazli greets voters on primary election day, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the Christ Church Nashville polling place in Nashville, Tenn. Abolfazli is unopposed in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 5. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)

Democratic congressional candidate Maryam Abolfazli greets voters on primary election day, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the Christ Church Nashville polling place in Nashville, Tenn. Abolfazli is unopposed in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 5. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)

FILE - Democrat Marquita Bradshaw speaks after conceding the race for U.S. Senate to Republican Bill Hagerty in Memphis, Tenn., on Nov. 3, 2020. Bradshaw is seeking the Democratic nomination in the the Tennessee primary Aug. 1, 2024, for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who faces Tres Wittum in her primary contest. (Ariel Cobbert/The Commercial Appeal via AP, File)

FILE - Democrat Marquita Bradshaw speaks after conceding the race for U.S. Senate to Republican Bill Hagerty in Memphis, Tenn., on Nov. 3, 2020. Bradshaw is seeking the Democratic nomination in the the Tennessee primary Aug. 1, 2024, for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who faces Tres Wittum in her primary contest. (Ariel Cobbert/The Commercial Appeal via AP, File)

FILE - Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks during the Republican National Convention on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Tennessee primary on Thursday, Aug. 1, will determine the Democratic challenger facing off against Blackburn as she runs for a second six-year term. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

FILE - Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks during the Republican National Convention on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Tennessee primary on Thursday, Aug. 1, will determine the Democratic challenger facing off against Blackburn as she runs for a second six-year term. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

FILE - U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-TN., speaks during a news conference near Manhattan Criminal Court during the trial of former President Donald Trump on May 16, 2024, in New York. Ogles will face off against Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston in the Republican primary Aug. 1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

FILE - U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-TN., speaks during a news conference near Manhattan Criminal Court during the trial of former President Donald Trump on May 16, 2024, in New York. Ogles will face off against Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston in the Republican primary Aug. 1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

FILE - Tennessee Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, announces her candidacy to run for the U.S. Senate during an event, Sept. 5, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Johnson is seeking the Democratic nomination in the the Tennessee primary Aug. 1, 2024 for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who faces Tres Wittum in her primary contest. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

FILE - Tennessee Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, announces her candidacy to run for the U.S. Senate during an event, Sept. 5, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Johnson is seeking the Democratic nomination in the the Tennessee primary Aug. 1, 2024 for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who faces Tres Wittum in her primary contest. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Blackburn won six years ago by beating Democratic former Gov. Phil Bredesen by almost 11 percentage points, toppling a well-liked moderate candidate who had hoped to have crossover appeal with even some Republican voters and who even ultimately supported Brett Kavanaugh’s contentious nomination to the Supreme Court. Tennessee has now only elected GOP statewide candidates for nearly two decades, picking further-right candidates who align with Trump instead of the conservative dealmakers of its past.

Blackburn again is touting an endorsement by Trump, who beat President Joe Biden by 23 percentage points in Tennessee in 2020. She helped craft the GOP’s policy platform for Trump this year and touted his candidacy in her Republican National Convention speech. One of her first TV ads highlighted her opposition to transgender athletes in women’s sports, now part of that GOP platform.

“In the U.S. Senate, I will continue to champion conservative, America First policies by working to lower taxes, secure the border, support our veterans, hold Big Tech accountable, and ensure our adversaries fear us again,” she said in a statement Thursday. “This November, Republicans must unite to take control of the U.S. Senate, keep the House of Representatives, and elect President Donald Trump to the White House.”

Trump's endorsement helped another Tennessee incumbent Thursday — Republican Rep. Andy Ogles managed to defeat a well-funded opponent, Nashville council member Courtney Johnston, as he pursues a second term in the 5th Congressional District. In the fall, he faces Democrat Maryam Abolfazli, who was unopposed in her party’s primary.

Johnson, meanwhile, won her Senate Democratic primary after an act of defiance against the GOP supermajority propelled her into the spotlight last year, days after a school shooting that killed three children and three adults. At the time, she joined fellow Democratic Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones as they walked to the front of the state House floor with a bullhorn. They joined the chants and cries for gun control legislation by protesters in the public galleries and outside of the chamber.

The trio were quickly dubbed the “Tennessee Three” as they faced expulsion hearings for violating House rules. Pearson and Jones, who are both Black, were expelled, while Johnson, who is white, was spared by one vote. Shortly after the expulsion vote, Johnson quickly noted that she avoided expulsion likely because she was white. Republicans denied race was a factor, noting her defense argued her role was lesser, such as not using the megaphone.

The scene was broadcast worldwide, and the three have made guest appearances on TV and at Democratic events nationally since.

Johnson, 62, has been a critic of Blackburn’s policy positions, arguing that most Tennesseans want “common sense gun legislation” and better access to reproductive care. Faced with Tennessee’s strict abortion ban, she testified about the abortion she had at age 21 due to an aortic aneurysm that likely would have killed her if she did nothing but might have harmed the baby if Johnson got the treatment she needed to save her own life.

Blackburn, 71, has opposed gun control measures throughout her political career and has deflected when asked whether she supports a national ban on abortion, saying that she supports the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a constitutional right to abortion and that the issue should be left to voters. Before Roe v. Wade was overturned, in 2020 and prior years she voted to advance a bill that would have banned abortion at 20 weeks.

After her win, Johnson said in a fundraising pitch that “the real fight begins now.”

“Imagine a better future for Tennessee: Extremism? We’ll reject it. Reproductive rights? We’ll defend them. Our democracy? We’ll fight for it. Better opportunities for working families? You bet we’ll make it happen,” Johnson wrote.

During her Republican National Convention speech, Blackburn harkened back to her time in the spotlight during protests at the statehouse. She touted her advocacy as a state senator in 2001 against a Tennessee income tax proposal that ultimately failed. Protesters converged on the Capitol, pounding on the state Senate chamber doors and breaking windows, including one at the governor’s office.

In the 5th District race, Johnston had hoped that Ogles had irked enough Republicans by creating headaches over questions about his resume, inaccurate campaign finance reporting and a headline-grabbing approach to lawmaking.

Ogles first won the congressional seat in 2022 after Tennessee Republicans redrew the district to include a part of left-leaning Nashville.

Leaders representing the growing city sharply criticized the redistricting, saying it diluted Nashville’s interests by dividing it into three congressional districts that include wide swaths of rural Tennessee. The concerns grew with the election of Ogles, a former mayor of Maury County two counties south of Nashville.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., center, is greeted by supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., center, is greeted by supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Democratic senate candidate Gloria Johnson, right, visits with supporters during an election night watch party at Ghost River Brewing Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Democratic senate candidate Gloria Johnson, right, visits with supporters during an election night watch party at Ghost River Brewing Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Democratic senate candidate Gloria Johnson, center, greets supporters during an election night watch party at Ghost River Brewing Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Democratic senate candidate Gloria Johnson, center, greets supporters during an election night watch party at Ghost River Brewing Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Democratic congressional candidate Maryam Abolfazli greets voters on primary election day, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the Christ Church Nashville polling place in Nashville, Tenn. Abolfazli is unopposed in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 5. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)

Democratic congressional candidate Maryam Abolfazli greets voters on primary election day, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the Christ Church Nashville polling place in Nashville, Tenn. Abolfazli is unopposed in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 5. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)

FILE - Democrat Marquita Bradshaw speaks after conceding the race for U.S. Senate to Republican Bill Hagerty in Memphis, Tenn., on Nov. 3, 2020. Bradshaw is seeking the Democratic nomination in the the Tennessee primary Aug. 1, 2024, for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who faces Tres Wittum in her primary contest. (Ariel Cobbert/The Commercial Appeal via AP, File)

FILE - Democrat Marquita Bradshaw speaks after conceding the race for U.S. Senate to Republican Bill Hagerty in Memphis, Tenn., on Nov. 3, 2020. Bradshaw is seeking the Democratic nomination in the the Tennessee primary Aug. 1, 2024, for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who faces Tres Wittum in her primary contest. (Ariel Cobbert/The Commercial Appeal via AP, File)

FILE - Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks during the Republican National Convention on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Tennessee primary on Thursday, Aug. 1, will determine the Democratic challenger facing off against Blackburn as she runs for a second six-year term. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

FILE - Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks during the Republican National Convention on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Tennessee primary on Thursday, Aug. 1, will determine the Democratic challenger facing off against Blackburn as she runs for a second six-year term. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

FILE - U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-TN., speaks during a news conference near Manhattan Criminal Court during the trial of former President Donald Trump on May 16, 2024, in New York. Ogles will face off against Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston in the Republican primary Aug. 1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

FILE - U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-TN., speaks during a news conference near Manhattan Criminal Court during the trial of former President Donald Trump on May 16, 2024, in New York. Ogles will face off against Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston in the Republican primary Aug. 1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

FILE - Tennessee Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, announces her candidacy to run for the U.S. Senate during an event, Sept. 5, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Johnson is seeking the Democratic nomination in the the Tennessee primary Aug. 1, 2024 for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who faces Tres Wittum in her primary contest. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

FILE - Tennessee Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, announces her candidacy to run for the U.S. Senate during an event, Sept. 5, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Johnson is seeking the Democratic nomination in the the Tennessee primary Aug. 1, 2024 for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who faces Tres Wittum in her primary contest. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

A man wearing a suit of mascot of Dynamo hockey club hangs digits showing number of goals scored by Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin in his NHL career at the VTB Arena – Dynamo Central Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

A man wearing a suit of mascot of Dynamo hockey club hangs digits showing number of goals scored by Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin in his NHL career at the VTB Arena – Dynamo Central Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

FILE - Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, holds up the Stanley Cup trophy during the NHL hockey team's Stanley Cup victory celebration, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at the National Mall in Washington. The U.S. Capitol rises in the background. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, holds up the Stanley Cup trophy during the NHL hockey team's Stanley Cup victory celebration, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at the National Mall in Washington. The U.S. Capitol rises in the background. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches his team play during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches his team play during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, of Russia, speaks to the media during a NHL hockey news conferece, Friday, June 25, 2004, in Durham, N.C., prior to the NHL draft. AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, of Russia, speaks to the media during a NHL hockey news conferece, Friday, June 25, 2004, in Durham, N.C., prior to the NHL draft. AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches from the bench during an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches from the bench during an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, center, of Russia, shakes hands with Washington Capitals officials after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, center, of Russia, shakes hands with Washington Capitals officials after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) watches during a faceoff in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) watches during a faceoff in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, 19, the Washington Capitals' 2004 number one draft pick, holds up his team jersey during a news conference at the MCI Center in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, to announce his signing with the team. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, 19, the Washington Capitals' 2004 number one draft pick, holds up his team jersey during a news conference at the MCI Center in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, to announce his signing with the team. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin, reported to be the number one pick in next month's NHL hockey draft, answers reporters questions before the start of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, May 27, 2004. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin, reported to be the number one pick in next month's NHL hockey draft, answers reporters questions before the start of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, May 27, 2004. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, of Russia, puts on a Washington Capitals hat after being selected as the first overall pick of the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, of Russia, puts on a Washington Capitals hat after being selected as the first overall pick of the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker, File)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin celebrates his goal against Slovakia during World Cup of Hockey tournament in Toronto, Sunday Sept. 5, 2004. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, iIle)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin celebrates his goal against Slovakia during World Cup of Hockey tournament in Toronto, Sunday Sept. 5, 2004. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, iIle)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin skates after the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin skates after the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) walks off the ice after warm ups before a NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Saturday, March 15, 2025 in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) walks off the ice after warm ups before a NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Saturday, March 15, 2025 in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)

People walk past a billboard depicting Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin marking his NHL career goals with the words reading "Ovechkin is always first!" in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People walk past a billboard depicting Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin marking his NHL career goals with the words reading "Ovechkin is always first!" in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

The goal counter reads 888 for the number of career goals by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin after he scored during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

The goal counter reads 888 for the number of career goals by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin after he scored during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his 889th NHL goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his 889th NHL goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin takes to the ice to warm up before an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin takes to the ice to warm up before an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses with the Maurice Richard Trophy, the Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy, and the Prince of Wales Trophy, from left, after the NHL Awards, Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses with the Maurice Richard Trophy, the Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy, and the Prince of Wales Trophy, from left, after the NHL Awards, Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) hits the puck past Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) to score during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) hits the puck past Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) to score during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin reacts during a media availability at the team's NHL hockey training camp in Arlington, Va., Sept. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin reacts during a media availability at the team's NHL hockey training camp in Arlington, Va., Sept. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - New York Rangers' Wayne Gretzky (99) celebrates scoring a goal in the third period during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Friday, Nov. 7, 1997. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

FILE - New York Rangers' Wayne Gretzky (99) celebrates scoring a goal in the third period during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Friday, Nov. 7, 1997. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

FILE - Los Angeles Kings' Wayne Gretzky (99) of the Los Angeles Kings scores his record-setting 802nd career NHL goal during an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Wednesday, March 23, 1994, at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Draper, File)

FILE - Los Angeles Kings' Wayne Gretzky (99) of the Los Angeles Kings scores his record-setting 802nd career NHL goal during an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Wednesday, March 23, 1994, at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Draper, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his second goal of the game during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his second goal of the game during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky laughs as he wears his new Hockey Hall of Fame ring during his induction ceremony at the Hall in Toronto, Nov. 22, 1999. (AP Photo/Frank Gunn, File)

FILE - Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky laughs as he wears his new Hockey Hall of Fame ring during his induction ceremony at the Hall in Toronto, Nov. 22, 1999. (AP Photo/Frank Gunn, File)

FILE - Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, right, shows his joy after registering his fourth goal during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia, March 7, 1981, as teammate Risto Siltanen comes to congratulate him. (AP Photo/Clem Murray, File)

FILE - Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, right, shows his joy after registering his fourth goal during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia, March 7, 1981, as teammate Risto Siltanen comes to congratulate him. (AP Photo/Clem Murray, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, follows through on a shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, follows through on a shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin celebrates after his winning goal against the Ottawa Senators during overtime NHL hockey game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin celebrates after his winning goal against the Ottawa Senators during overtime NHL hockey game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, left, and New York Islanders Denis Potvin (5) jostle for a loose puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., March 26, 1988. (AP Photo/Wa Funches)

FILE - Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, left, and New York Islanders Denis Potvin (5) jostle for a loose puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., March 26, 1988. (AP Photo/Wa Funches)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, winds up for a shot during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, FIle)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, winds up for a shot during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, FIle)

FILE - Fans cheer as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of an NHL hockey game, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, FIle)

FILE - Fans cheer as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of an NHL hockey game, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, FIle)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin reacts after team's victory at the Ice Hockey World Championships bronze medal match between Russia and USA, in Moscow, Russia, on Sunday, May 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, File)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin reacts after team's victory at the Ice Hockey World Championships bronze medal match between Russia and USA, in Moscow, Russia, on Sunday, May 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, File)

Alexander Ovechkin, 19, the Washington Capitals' 2004 No. 1 draft pick, left, holds up his team jersey with team vice president and general manager George McPhee during a news conference at the MCI Center in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 to announce Ovechkin's signing with the team. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Alexander Ovechkin, 19, the Washington Capitals' 2004 No. 1 draft pick, left, holds up his team jersey with team vice president and general manager George McPhee during a news conference at the MCI Center in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 to announce Ovechkin's signing with the team. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2019, file photo, Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin follows through on a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2019, file photo, Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin follows through on a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

FILE - Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, and his father Mikhail. Ovechkin reacts after being selected as the first overall pick by the Washington Capitals during the NHL Draft, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Grant Halverson, File)

FILE - Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, and his father Mikhail. Ovechkin reacts after being selected as the first overall pick by the Washington Capitals during the NHL Draft, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Grant Halverson, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses in the in the locker room with his 798, 799, and 800th NHL career goal pucks following his hatrick in an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses in the in the locker room with his 798, 799, and 800th NHL career goal pucks following his hatrick in an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin acknowledges the crowd's applause after scoring his 800th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin acknowledges the crowd's applause after scoring his 800th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses with the puck commemorating his 700th NHL career goal that he scored against the New Jersey Devils in the third period at Prudential Center on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Newark, New Jersey. (Patrick McDermott/NHLI Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses with the puck commemorating his 700th NHL career goal that he scored against the New Jersey Devils in the third period at Prudential Center on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Newark, New Jersey. (Patrick McDermott/NHLI Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his 700th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his 700th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches his shot get past Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) for his 600th NHL career goal in the second period of a hockey game, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches his shot get past Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) for his 600th NHL career goal in the second period of a hockey game, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his 600th career goal in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his 600th career goal in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, (8) leaps in the air in celebration after scoring his 500th NHL career goal during the second period of a hockey game against the Ottawa Senators in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, (8) leaps in the air in celebration after scoring his 500th NHL career goal during the second period of a hockey game against the Ottawa Senators in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, is congratulated by teammate Mike Green (52) after Ovechkin scored his 400th NHL career goal in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, is congratulated by teammate Mike Green (52) after Ovechkin scored his 400th NHL career goal in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) scores an empty net goal for his 400th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) scores an empty net goal for his 400th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin, left, celebrates scoring his 300th NHL career goal with teammate Brooks Laich (21) during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP, FIle)

FILE - Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin, left, celebrates scoring his 300th NHL career goal with teammate Brooks Laich (21) during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP, FIle)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, celebrates after scoring his 200th NHL career goal with teammate Alexander Semin, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Feb. 5, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, celebrates after scoring his 200th NHL career goal with teammate Alexander Semin, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Feb. 5, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin celebrates after scoring his 100th career NHL goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin celebrates after scoring his 100th career NHL goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

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