In an encouraging turn of events, two Tennessee lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, who were previously expelled from the Tennessee legislature for protesting gun violence, have recently won a special election to serve the remainder of their terms. Both representatives were removed from the Tennessee House of Representatives during the same year; Justin Jones won his election for Tennessee House District 52, and Justin Pearson emerged victorious in the Tennessee House District 81.
The initial expulsion of the two lawmakers had arisen in April, following their protest of gun violence on the House floor in the aftermath of a tragic shooting at a Christian Tennessee school. The Tennessee House of Representatives consequently moved to expel Jones and Pearson, citing their “disorderly and disruptive conduct” as detrimental to the integrity and dignity of the House of Representatives of the State of Tennessee.
In spite of these challenges, Jones was subsequently reinstated to his position by Nashville’s Metro Council within a week of his expulsion. Following his reinstatement, counsel for Jones and Pearson demanded the restoration of the lawmakers’ rights in a letter to House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Likewise, Pearson was reinstated to his position by the Shelby County Commission. As indicated by the recent elections, both Jones and Pearson are now eligible to return to the House as committed lawmakers, ready to fulfill their terms.