Vice President Kamala Harris Stands Up for Expelled Tennessee Lawmakers and Gains Surrogates for Historic Campaign
Vice President Kamala Harris Makes Impromptu Visit to Tennessee to Support Expelled Lawmakers
In a bold move, Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Nashville to condemn the expulsion of two young Black Tennessee state lawmakers by majority white male Republicans. The lawmakers, Reps. Justin J. Pearson and Justin Jones, were brought up on expulsion charges after joining anti-gun violence protesters in the state Capitol following a tragic school shooting.
Harris’ visit to Tennessee was described as a pivotal moment in the fight for justice in the state. The vice president’s fiery speech at Fisk University showed national solidarity for the lawmakers and the broader coalition of anti-gun violence and pro-social justice young voters in Tennessee.
Now, Rep. Pearson, one of the expelled lawmakers, is returning the favor by serving as a surrogate for Harris’ historic presidential campaign. He has been traveling to battleground states, engaging with voters, particularly young Black voters, about Harris’ policies and the importance of the upcoming election.
Despite polling indicating a lag in support and enthusiasm among young voters of color, Pearson remains determined to get out the vote for Harris. He believes that Harris’ economic agenda and commitment to addressing national issues like gun violence resonate with young voters and communities of color.
Harris’ campaign focuses on canceling student loan debt, extending the child tax credit, providing assistance for first-time homebuyers, and supporting small business startups. Pearson emphasized the importance of showing up to support Harris, stating, “We need somebody who’s going to show up and give the best of their effort on behalf of the entire country, and not just the privileged few.”
Reflecting on Harris’ visit to Tennessee, Pearson expressed gratitude for her support and vowed to continue fighting for her campaign. He stressed the importance of voter turnout, especially in the face of strong support for Donald Trump, urging supporters to ensure that their side shows up on election day.