Tennessee Representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, who were expelled from the state legislature earlier this year, are expected to make a comeback in a special election on Thursday. The two Democrats, known as the "Tennessee Three," were expelled from the GOP-dominated Statehouse after leading a gun control protest on the House floor. The protest was in response to a fatal shooting at a Nashville school, where three children and three adults were killed. Pearson and Jones, both young Black lawmakers, joined fellow Democrat Gloria Johnson in the protest, which drew thousands of demonstrators demanding gun control measures. The Republican lawmakers declared their actions a violation of House rules and moved to expel them, leaving their primarily Black districts without representation. However, Pearson and Jones were able to reclaim their seats on an interim basis and are now seeking to fully reclaim their positions through the special election. Both lawmakers easily cleared the primary election and are facing opponents in districts that heavily favor Democrats. Pearson, from Memphis, is up against independent candidate Jeff Johnston, while Jones, from Nashville, is running against Republican candidate Laura Nelson. The expulsions of Pearson and Jones drew national attention and support for the "Tennessee Three." Their campaign fundraising efforts raised over $2 million through 70,400 campaign donations, an unprecedented amount for freshman Democrats in a superminority. In contrast, their opponents, Johnston and Nelson, have raised significantly less in campaign funds. While their re-election won't significantly impact the Republican supermajority in the Legislature, Pearson and Jones are expected to strongly oppose some of their GOP colleagues' policies, particularly on gun control. The special election comes as lawmakers are preparing to return to Nashville for a special session to address potential changes to the state's gun control laws. The “Tennessee Three” have become Democratic heroes, with President Joe Biden condemning their expulsion as an effort to punish and silence duly elected representatives. Despite the controversy, House Republican leaders have denied that race played a factor in the expulsion hearings. The outcome of the election will determine whether Pearson and Jones can continue their advocacy for gun control and represent their districts in the Tennessee House.