Nashville Council to Vote on Reinstating Expelled Democrat Lawmaker—Here’s What We Know

Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, delivers remarks on the floor of the House chamber Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee Republicans are seeking to oust Jones and two other House Democrats for their role in a demonstration calling for gun control following the Nashville school shooting.AP Photo/George Walker IV

Nashville officials are set to vote Monday on a possible reinstatement of a Democrat Tennessee lawmaker who was expelled last week after protesting gun laws.

Former Tennessee state Reps. Justin Jones and James Pearson, both Democrats, were expelled from the Republican-controlled state Legislature on Thursday over their participation in a rule-breaking protest on the House floor on March 30.

But Jones could be reinstated to his previous seat as soon as Monday in the role of interim representative until a special election can be held to fill the vacancy permanently.

Nashville Vice Mayor Jim Shulman said in a statement calling a special meeting of the Metropolitan Council for Nashville and Davidson County that council members will discuss procedures for filling the vacant seat on April 10, and “if determined by the Council, vote on the election of an interim successor.”

(L–R) State Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson arrive at Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., on April 7, 2023. Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP

At least 29 of the 40 members of the Metro Council have said they back appointing Jones as an interim representative until the special election can be held, The Tennessean reported.

“My Council District 6 constituents of House 52 want [Jones] reinstated. I will be voting in favor of his reinstatement if he accepts the Metro Council’s nomination,” council member Brett Withers wrote on Twitter.

“I will vote to reappoint [Jones] as soon as Metro Council meets to consider it,” Freddie O’Connell, another member, added.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper said that he thinks the council will send Jones “right back to continue serving his constituents.”

In an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program on Sunday, Jones was asked whether he would accept a reappointment.

“Yes,” Jones replied. “Their attack on democracy hurts all of us,” he added, referring to Republicans in the Tennessee state House who introduced a resolution accusing Jones and Pearson of “disorderly behavior” that brought “disorder and dishonor” when the pair led chants on the House floor through a bullhorn.

On March 30, hundreds of protesters assembled at the State Capitol in Nashville to demand stronger gun control laws after an assailant shot and killed three 9-year-olds and three adults at The Covenant School. A group of protesters entered the House and Senate chambers, chanting and shouting, while Jones and Pearson used a bullhorn to lead the chants on the Legislature floor, interrupting proceedings.

Jones was expelled by a vote of 72–25.

Protesters gather inside the Tennessee State Capitol to call for an end to shootings and support more restrictive gun laws in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 30, 2023. Seth Herald/Getty Images

Pearson Also Reinstated?

Pearson, meanwhile, could also be returning to his position when Shelby County officials convene on Wednesday in a special meeting.

“The Shelby County Board of Commissioners will consider the action to reappoint Mr. Justin Pearson to his duly elected position to represent the citizens in District 86 for the State of Tennessee House of Representatives in a special called meeting,”  commission Chairman Mickell Lowery said in a statement.

Lowery defended the protests though he also acknowledged that there was justification for lawmakers to oust the two Democrat representatives.

“The protests at the State Capitol by citizens recently impacted by the senseless deaths of three 9-year-old children and three adults entrusted with their care at their school was understandable given the fact that the gun laws in the State of Tennessee are becoming nearly non-existent,” Lowery said.

“It is equally understandable that the leadership of the State House of Representatives felt a strong message had to be sent to those who transgressed the rules,” he continued, adding that he believes the expulsion of Jones and Pearson was “conducted in a hasty manner without consideration of other corrective action methods.”

Pearson, who appeared alongside Jones on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” similarly confirmed his readiness to be reinstated to his vacant seat.

“Yes, I would be honored to accept the reappointment of the Shelby County Commission and to run in a special election,” Pearson said.

Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson speaks on his phone while being expelled from the state Legislature in Nashville, Tenn., on April 6, 2023. Seth Herald/Getty Images

In an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Pearson claimed that his expulsion meant that “voters have been disenfranchised.”

“This is one of the greatest tactics of voter disenfranchisement and voter oppression that I have ever witnessed,” Pearson said.

Pearson was ousted by a vote of 69–26.

Commissioner Amber Mills, a Republican, told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal that she would not vote for Pearson because it could lead to state legislators blocking money for the county.

“If he’s being expelled for disrupting, it makes no sense to put someone back,” Mills said. “I don’t see him being effective if he does go back. Who’s going to vote for any of his stuff?”

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.