Nashville sends Justin Jones back to the Tennessee House after Expulsion.

Nashville’s Justin Jones has returned to the Tennessee House of Representatives, just four days after being expelled by the state’s Republican-controlled House. Jones, a Democrat representing Nashville’s House District 52, was reappointed as an interim representative by the Nashville Metropolitan Council in a unanimous vote, following his removal from office in an extraordinary and emotionally charged legislative session. During the session, Jones and another Black Democrat, Justin Pearson, were ousted from their seats, while a third Democrat, Rep. Gloria Johnson, narrowly avoided expulsion.

Jones was met with cheers from his fellow representatives upon his return to the House floor, with Rep. Antonio Parkinson introducing him as “our newest member.” Following the city council’s decision, Jones joined demonstrators in a march to the state Capitol, chanting “Whose house? Our House.”

In a statement to the crowd, Jones declared that “democracy will not be killed in the comfort of silence,” and warned Speaker Cameron Sexton that “the people will not allow his crimes against democracy to happen without challenge.” Jones’ return to office was made possible by a state law that allows local legislative bodies to appoint interim representatives in the event of an expulsion, pending an election.

The 36-0 vote to return Jones to his seat followed the suspension of a procedural rule that prevented an individual from being nominated and appointed in the same meeting. Pearson’s vacant District 86 seat is due to be addressed by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday afternoon.

Despite his expulsion, Pearson remained defiant, telling supporters that “the people’s power will not be stopped” and that “this is what democracy looks like.” He praised the commitment and energy of those fighting for change and urged them to continue their efforts.