Justin J. Pearson, one of the Democratic lawmakers ousted over a protest, is reinstated to the Tennessee Legislature

By Adam Edelman -

The seven members of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, in Tennessee, voted unanimously this Wednesday that the Democratic legislator Justin J. Pearson recovers his seat in the state House of Representatives, from where he was expelled along with a colleague by the Republican majority in retaliation for participating in a citizen protest in favor of gun control.

At a special meeting in Memphis, members of the Board of Commissioners suspended their own rules by allowing voting instead of upholding the month-long nomination period.

Representative Justin Pearson raises his fist as he enters the Tennessee House of Representatives, April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Cheney OrrCHENEY ORR / REUTERS

This is a developing story.

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