Shelby County could reappoint Justin Pearson after expulsion from TN House

The Shelby County Commission could consider reappointing Justin Pearson to his seat in the Tennessee statehouse, Chairman Mickell Lowery said Thursday.

Pearson was expelled Thursday along with fellow Democrat Justin Jones after they interrupted a floor session and used a bullhorn to lead chants for gun control. Democrat Gloria Johnson survived Thursday's expulsion vote in the House.

Vacancies can be filled on an interim basis by the county legislative body until a legislator is elected in a special election.

Also: Shelby County Commission will announce date to fill Justin Pearson's District 86 seat Monday

In Shelby County, the commission has a nine-member Democratic supermajority.

Lowery, speaking before Pearson’s expulsion, said that if Pearson was expelled, he would call a special meeting to vote on an interim representative. He would seek a legal opinion on whether Pearson could be reappointed, he said.

Marcy Ingram, a Shelby County assistant attorney, told The Commercial Appeal she knew of no legal reason why the commission could not reappoint Pearson.

The Commercial Appeal reached out to all 13 commissioners to see whether they would support Pearson’s reappointment. Most did not respond.

However, Commissioner Britney Thornton, a Democrat, was unequivocal in her support of Pearson.

“As a fellow millennial elected to serve, I believe it’s crucial for my generation to be represented,” Thornton said. “I stand with Representative Pearson and his fellow colleagues — all of whom are unfairly being mislabeled and othered. Wholeheartedly will I support his reappointment.”

Key takeaways from expulsion debate: Tennessee Democrats take full advantage of national spotlight

If the commission does consider reappointing Pearson, the vote is not likely to be unanimous.

Commissioner Amber Mills, a Republican, said she would not reappoint Pearson since it would hurt Shelby County, possibly resulting in legislators blocking funds from coming to the county.

“If he’s being expelled for disrupting, it makes no sense to put someone back,” Mills said. "I don’t see him being effective if he does go back. Who’s going to vote for any of his stuff?”

Katherine Burgess covers government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Shelby County could reappoint Pearson after expulsion from TN House