Nashville Council reinstates exiled Tennessee lawmaker

State lawmakers occasionally remove their fellow colleagues, but it’s often for cases involving criminal misconduct or major ethical lapses. Last week’s vote in Tennessee was exceedingly rare for its speed and partisanship. Nearly all of the Republican supermajority voted to oust Jones and Pearson, and the effort to remove Johnson fell short by a single vote.

GOP House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who likened their protest to an “insurrection,” led trial-like proceedings last week as Republicans admonished the group and urged them to repent for their outburst.

Despite Republicans’ attempt to keep him away, Jones likely won’t miss a day of work. The Nashville-area Democrat is expected to lead a march to the Capitol immediately following his reinstatement, returning to the statehouse just in time for the first full session since his removal.

Hundreds of supporters gathered in downtown Nashville at a park near the Capitol ahead of the council vote. Under state law, local legislative bodies hold the power to reinstate ousted lawmakers — a process that typically takes several weeks — but Nashville council members voted to expedite it. A special election will be held to permanently fill Jones’ seat, a race that he’s expected to join and will likely take place later this summer.

Pearson, who represents parts of Memphis, is also anticipated to run for reelection. He’s expected to be reinstated by Memphis council members on Wednesday and return to the General Assembly the following day.