Black Democrats who led gun control protest win special election in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Two young Black Democrats Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, have won their special elections to retain their seats in Tennessee.
They had been expelled from the House of Representatives in April for leading a protest against gun control.
Jones defeated his Republican opponent, Laura Nelson, in the predominantly Democratic District 52 in the Nashville area.
Pearson defeated little-known independent Jeff Johnston in deep-blue Democratic District 86 in Memphis.
Both Jones and Pearson were temporarily reinstated by local officials within a week of their expulsion.
But they needed to win Thursday’s special election to keep their seats for the rest of their two-year terms.
The Republican supermajority had cited breaches of decorum after the deputies led a protest against gun ownership from the House floor.
They were protesting the shooting at a Nashville school that left three children and three adults dead.
Their protest alongside Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson led to them being dubbed the “Tennessee Three”
Johnson, a white woman, also faced a vote on her expulsion but was not removed.
Her expulsion in April became a flashpoint in debates over gun violence, race and what forms of protest are acceptable.
The results will not affect the makeup of the House of Representatives. Republicans hold a 75-24 majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
