Tennessee Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, formerly expelled members of the “Tennessee Three,” reclaimed their state House seats in a special election.
Achieving victory: The young Democratic lawmakers were reinstated on an interim basis after being expelled for involvement in a gun control protest, going on to win in districts favoring Democrats.
* Jones, from Nashville, defeated Republican Laura Nelson while Memphis’ Pearson emerged victorious against independent candidate Jeff Johnston.
Context of the election: The special election took place in anticipation of a potentially transformative legislative session focusing on changing the state’s gun control laws.
* Despite the existence of a Republican supermajority in the legislatures, Jones and Pearson’s return is expected to stir a stronger pushback against some GOP policies.
Background to the expulsion: Pearson and Jones, along with fellow Democrat Rep. Gloria Johnson, gained prominence after joining a protest for increased gun control on the House floor following a fatal shooting in Nashville.
* The protest led to their expulsion for alleged violation of House rules, leaving about 140,000 voters in primarily Black districts in Nashville and Memphis temporarily without representation.
* The GOP’s decision to expel Pearson and Jones faced criticism from Democrats who insisted that race was a factor, a claim that the House GOP has continually denied.
By the numbers: The expulsion resulted in increased national support for the “Tennessee Three,” leading to over $2 million raised by Pearson and Jones from approximately 70,400 campaign donations nationwide, surpassing Tennessee’s usual fundings for Republican legislative leaders and Democrats in superminorities.
* More than 15 Republican lawmakers contributed to Jones’ Republican opponent Nelson’s campaign, who raised $34,000.
* Pearson’s opponent, Johnston, raised less than $400 for the contest.
This election’s effects: Thursday’s election also influences the race for two other legislative seats previously held by Democrats and Republicans in Nashville and Eastern Tennessee, respectively.
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