Reps. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, and Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, who were removed by Republicans in the Tennessee House of Representatives, are likely headed back to their old seats in the coming weeks thanks to local party boards that decide who will hold the positions until a special election can be held.
According to The Tennessee Lookout:
Jones and Pearson’s removal is likely temporary, as local government bodies choose who fills the now open seats. Nothing stops the Metro Nashville Council or Shelby County Commission from reappointing either man to fill the vacancies until special elections later this year.
The Metro Council is nonpartisan, but a majority of members have already said they will reappoint Jones at a special called meeting announced late Thursday to take place next week. The Shelby County Commission has a Democratic majority and is expected to do something similar.
Jones and Pearson would have to run in the special election if they are appointed temporarily, and both have indicted they intend to do exactly that.
The two men were expelled by Republicans for daring to hold a protest on the House floor highlighting the need for sensible gun control legislation in the Volunteer State. Interestingly, Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville was not removed. Jones and Pearson are both black, while Johnson is white.
During Thursday’s speeches on expulsion, Jones accused Republicans of targeting him and Pearson due to the color of their skin.
“The state in which the Klu Klux Klan was founded is now trying to silence two black men, and one of the only white woman in this body that is a Democrat,” Jones said.