NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville Democrat Justin Jones had a message for both his supporters and Republican colleagues who voted to oust him on Thursday: "We'll see you on Monday."
Jones and Memphis Democrat Justin Pearson were expelled from their seats on Thursday, but they will have a chance to return to the legislature if they run for those seats again during upcoming special elections.
A date for the special elections hasn't been decided yet, but Nashville and Memphis-area leaders will soon take up the matter.
The Nashville Metro Council will hold a special meeting next Monday to select someone to fill Justin Jones' seat in the interim, and that someone could be Justin Jones. Nashville Mayor John Cooper said he believes the council will send Jones right back to his seat in the interim.
Likewise, the same could happen for Pearson in Memphis. Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery said Thursday night he plans to call a special meeting over Pearson's expulsion.
Until that happens, Jones said he will be in Nashville advocating for action on gun reform in Tennessee.
"If I'm expelled from here, I'll be back out there with the people every week demanding that you act. If you expel me I'll continue to show up because this issue is too important," he said.