Fantastic news, John — expelled Tennessee Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson have been reappointed to serve in the state House after Republicans kicked them out.

 

 

That means that the vile plans of the Tennessee GOP to silence two young Black men and (yet again) overturn the will of the people have been thwarted. It also means that these two young representatives of the people will once again be able to fight for the constituents who entrusted them with their office in the first place.

 

While Reps. Jones and Pearson focus on fighting for state gun reforms, we need to demand that Republicans formally apologize for the vote ousting them from the Tennessee House. Sign my petition demanding an apology >>

John, I’m not expecting miracles — Tennessee is a highly gerrymandered state where Republicans have entrenched themselves in government and feel no political pressure to do the right thing. They have a supermajority that shields them from direct accountability.

 

But that’s why we have to step up now.

 

Tennessee Republicans have to hear that people in their state and across the country absolutely condemn the reprehensible and undemocratic expulsion of two duly elected lawmakers. And we need to send a clear message to every other Republican-controlled state legislature — including right here in Georgia — that racist and undemocratic behavior will not be tolerated.

 

The more people who speak up, the harder it will be for Republicans to pull this nonsense in the future. So please, John — will you sign my petition calling on Tennessee state House Republicans to issue a formal apology to Reps. Jones and Pearson?

 

 

In solidarity,

 

Hank Johnson

he/him