In what many are calling a bold leap backward into the comforting arms of authoritarian school principal energy, Tennessee Republicans have once again exercised their favorite House procedure: expelling lawmakers who refuse to sit quietly and color within the lines. This time, State Representative Justin Jones is facing potential retribution in the form of expulsion for the second time in just over a year, suggesting that Tennessee’s Republican leadership may be attempting to qualify for frequent flyer miles on the expulsion express.
Jones, a Democrat and longtime advocate of gun control and being consistently yelled at by his Republican colleagues, was previously expelled in 2023 for joining a protest on the House floor in favor of stricter gun laws following a deadly school shooting. He was swiftly reinstated by his district voters who apparently did not get the memo that they were supposed to appreciate the therapeutic value of performative decorum over, say, not getting shot in school.
This year, Republicans are back at it again, clutching their pearls with renewed vigor after Jones allegedly chanted and waved papers during a heated legislative debate. According to Republican leaders, such behavior constitutes an unacceptable breach of decorum which, in Tennessee politics, now ranks just below treason and slightly above double parking outside the Capitol.
House Republicans filed a formal resolution to expel Jones on charges of “disorderly conduct” which in this case seems to mean expressing strong opinions in a room full of people who would rather not hear them out loud. The vote is scheduled for next week and if successful, it would mark the second time in as many years that Jones is ejected from the chamber for the crime of being pesky while wearing a suit.
Jones, ever the picture of composure with a side of righteous indignation, called the move a “desperate attempt to distract from their failures” and vowed to keep showing up whether or not he is technically allowed inside the building. Little surprise there, given his fondness for speaking truth to power and his clear disdain for legislative timeouts.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Cameron Sexton has defended the impending ouster, insisting that Jones is merely being held accountable because he keeps violating the norms of polite carpeted democracy. Sexton, who has never been accused of excessive nuance, has remained a staunch advocate for decorum, provided it is never applied too firmly to his own supermajority.
Observers note that repeated expulsions of opposition lawmakers are not typically a sign of a vibrant democracy functioning at peak efficiency. But then again, tradition is important in Tennessee, especially the tradition of reminding elected officials that expressing dissent can be hazardous to their seating arrangement.
It is unclear what Jones’ district will do if he is expelled yet again, but based on past behavior, it seems the voters will continue to stubbornly insist on representation in the House, a quaint notion that House Republicans find increasingly inconvenient.
The Tennessee legislature may not always love democracy, but by golly, it adores a good exit ceremony.