"Tennessee Three" in the spotlight at the DNC
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State Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson in 2023. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
A trio of state lawmakers who vaulted to national prominence as the "Tennessee Three" are expected to take the stage Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention.
Why it matters: State Reps. Justin Jones, Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson put Tennessee politics front and center for a national audience.
- The group spurred debates over racism, gun violence and democratic norms last year after Republicans in the Tennessee House moved to expel them.
Catch up quick: Jones, Pearson and Johnson led protest chants for gun reform from the House podium following the mass shooting at The Covenant School. Republicans blasted them for breaking House rules and engaging in disorderly behavior.
- Republicans expelled Jones and Pearson, who won special elections and reclaimed their seats.
- The effort to expel Johnson failed by one vote.
State of play: Jones, Pearson and Johnson have become heroes among Democrats. They visited the White House and established themselves as fundraising juggernauts.
- Johnson won the Democratic nomination for Senate and is challenging U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn in November.
Flashback: Vice President Kamala Harris, who will accept the Democratic nomination for president Thursday night, rallied to the trio's defense, visiting Nashville in April 2023 to praise them for speaking out for gun reforms.
- "They chose to lead and show courage," Harris said of the three lawmakers.
- "It wasn't about the three of these leaders. It was about who they were representing. It's about whose voices they were channeling," Harris said. "They understood that the voices must be heard."
Zoom in: Pearson has already made a memorable appearance at the DNC. His impassioned remarks during the state roll call on Tuesday were shared widely on social media.
- "From the bluffs of Memphis to the peaks of Mountain City, the movement for justice rooted in love in Tennessee is still strong," Pearson said to cheers.
- "It is a movement where kids are free from gun violence, a movement where women have the right to choose."
What we're watching: The lawmakers' speech is likely to revisit the themes of that 2023 protest in the House chamber.
- "We're lifting up a very critical issue that is very connected to my generation: the issue of gun violence," Jones told CNN while previewing the remarks.