In a highly anticipated special election, former Tennessee Representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones are poised to make a comeback after being expelled from the state legislature earlier this year. The two Democrats, known as the "Tennessee Three," were ousted from the GOP-dominated Statehouse for their leading role in a gun control protest on the House floor. The demonstration was a response to a tragic shooting at a Nashville school, which claimed the lives of three children and three adults.

Pearson and Jones, both young Black lawmakers, joined forces with fellow Democrat Gloria Johnson to organize the protest, which attracted thousands of demonstrators demanding stricter gun control measures. However, their actions were deemed a violation of House rules by Republican lawmakers, who swiftly moved to expel them, leaving their primarily Black districts without representation.

Despite their expulsion, Pearson and Jones managed to regain their seats on an interim basis, and they are now seeking to fully reclaim their positions through the special election. Both lawmakers easily cleared the primary election and are now facing opponents in districts that heavily favor Democrats. Pearson, hailing from Memphis, is going up against independent candidate Jeff Johnston, while Jones, from Nashville, is running against Republican candidate Laura Nelson.

The expulsion of Pearson and Jones garnered national attention and sparked an outpouring of support for the "Tennessee Three." Their campaign fundraising efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary, amassing over $2 million through 70,400 campaign donations. This unprecedented fundraising success illustrates the immense grassroots support they have garnered, especially considering they are freshman Democrats in a superminority. In contrast, their opponents, Johnston and Nelson, have raised significantly less in campaign funds.

While the re-election of Pearson and Jones may not significantly impact the existing Republican supermajority in the Legislature, it is expected that they will vehemently oppose some of their GOP colleagues' policies, particularly on the issue of gun control. Their return to the Statehouse comes at a crucial time, as lawmakers are gearing up for a special session to address potential changes to Tennessee's gun control laws.

The “Tennessee Three” have emerged as Democratic heroes, with even President Joe Biden publicly condemning their expulsion, characterizing it as an attempt to punish and silence duly elected representatives. However, House Republican leaders have vehemently denied any racial bias playing a role in the expulsion hearings.

The outcome of the special election will determine whether Pearson and Jones can continue their advocacy for gun control and effectively represent their districts in the Tennessee House. The nation will be closely watching as the results unfold, eagerly anticipating the implications this election will have on the ongoing debate over gun control legislation.