Metro Council in Nashville plans to reappoint Democrat Justin Jones to the state House, a move that would challenge Republican leaders who expelled him following a racially charged debate.
Reappointment of Justin Jones
At least 29 of the 40 council members have said they will reappoint Jones, giving him more than the simple majority he needs to regain his seat. Jones was expelled by Republicans in the GOP-controlled state House along with Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, after both were accused of violating decorum rules by using a bullhorn to lead gun-control protests on the House floor on March 30.
While Republicans successfully removed Jones and Pearson, they failed to remove Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, by one vote, according to a recently published news article in USA Today.
What Will Happen If Justin Jones Will Be Reappointed?
If Jones is reappointed, it will set up a showdown with Republican leaders who have been besieged by control gun-control protests following a school shooting rampage that left six people dead. Jones has vowed to return, stating, “We’ll see you on Monday.” The decision to reappoint him has been met with support from Nashville’s council, who believe the expulsion of Jones was racially motivated.
Republicans, however, maintain that their actions were in line with the decorum rules. With Jones’ impending reappointment, it remains to be seen how Republican leaders will respond, and what impact it will have on the ongoing gun-control protests.