Reps. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, and Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, will have to run for election once the session ends. That’s due to them being expelled earlier this month. State law requires that there be an election to fill their seats.
Taxpayers will be the ones footing the bill for the elections. Shelby County Election Administrator Linda Phillips told WREG in Memphis that it’d likely cost “at least $300,000 per election and $600,000 for the two of them.”
The two reinstated lawmakers will likely have an easy chance given their name recognition and national exposure. Both, along with Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, are expected to head to the White House next Monday to visit with President Joe Biden.
.@POTUS looks forward to welcoming Tennessee State Representatives Justin Jones, Justin Pearson, and Gloria Johnson to the White House this coming Monday. pic.twitter.com/1oqrDRA31s
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) April 19, 2023