Ousted Tennessee Lawmakers Criticize Republicans, Vow to Return to Office

State Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) raises his fists on the floor of the House chamber to recognize his supporters before the start of the legislative session in Nashville, Tenn., on April 6, 2023. George Walker IV/AP Photo

The former Tennessee legislators who were ousted last week by the state’s Republican-led House of Representatives said on April 9 they would accept reappointments by their respective districts and will run in the special elections to fill their seats.

Justin Pearson, a Democrat who had represented Memphis, and Justin Jones, a Democrat who represented Nashville, appeared on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” vowing to return as lawmakers and delivering harsh criticism of the Tennessee state legislature.