Tennessee Democrats, previously expelled from legislature, effortlessly reelected.
The Tennessee Democratic Lawmakers Who Triumphed After Controversial Expulsion
The two Tennessee Democratic lawmakers who made headlines earlier this year for their expulsion by state Republicans have emerged victorious in their respective special elections. State Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville defeated Republican challenger Laura Nelson, while Rep. Justin Pearson of Memphis won against independent candidate Jeff Johnston.
Under the Radar to Prominence
Jones and Pearson, who were elected to the GOP-dominated Tennessee legislature last year, gained national attention when they joined a protest for gun control on the state House floor. This demonstration followed a tragic shooting at a Nashville Christian school, where three students and three adults lost their lives.
Their involvement in the protest led to their expulsion by Republican lawmakers, who claimed that their actions violated House rules. However, their removal sparked widespread condemnation, outrage, and accusations of racism across the country.
Backed by Prominent Figures
President Joe Biden described the expulsion as “shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent.” The Congressional Black Caucus and former President Barack Obama also weighed in, criticizing the move and stating that it would not lead to progress.
Meanwhile, the GOP’s decision faced criticism from both sides. A Republican strategist called it “a disaster,” while a Democratic strategist referred to it as “ham-handed.” The expulsion only served to elevate Jones and Pearson’s status as they became symbols of the fight against gun violence.
Expulsion Backfires
The attempt to oust Pearson and Johnson and the failure to remove Johnson altogether backfired. The trio quickly became known as the “Tennessee Three.” Furthermore, the incident fueled a surge in campaign fundraising for Jones and Pearson, with a combined total of $2 million raised through 70,400 campaign donations from across the country.
On the other hand, Republican efforts to support Nelson financially fell short, raising just over $34,000. Johnston, the independent candidate, raised less than $400 in his race against Pearson.
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