Tennessee State Representatives Justin Jones (D-Nashville), Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville), and Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) were expected to speak at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Thursday, likely with remarks about their experience pushing for gun control legislation in the Volunteer State.
The speech never happened, and a spokesman for Tennessee Democrats told The Tennessean on Thursday that they were no longer expected to speak.
While outlet tied the development to rumors that celebrities Beyoncé or Taylor Swift were planning a surprise appearance at the DNC, neither performer appeared for the final night of the DNC, and it was later suggested the mystery guest was the 13-year-old daughter of the musical artist Pink.
Pearson on Thursday acknowledged the loss of his speaking time in remarks to WSMV 4. He told the outlet that the convention was “electrifying,” and suggested he planned to discuss gun control before losing his speaking slot.
“I really do think that the folks at the DNC and the Harris campaign are going to be able to elevate the issue of ending the gun violence epidemic in a way that is meaningful for us in Tennessee, for the Tennessee Three, and for our entire community,” Pearson reportedly said.
The Tennessee Three member added that speakers stressed “the importance of organizing, mobilizing and being activated,” as well as unity within the Democratic Party.
Pearson, Jones and Johnson were labeled the Tennessee Three after their participation in a 2023 gun control riot in the Tennessee Capitol provoked an effort to expel them from the General Assembly. Pearson and Jones were successfully removed, but were quickly returned to their offices by local leaders.
Jones has not commented publicly about the loss of his speaking time at the DNC, but a post to his Instagram account suggests he was planning his remarks since at least Tuesday.
Johnson is currently the Democratic nominee to challenge Senator Marsha Blackburn (D-TN) in November, but is simultaneously running for reelection for her state-level position.
In a post to social media, Johnson wrote, “Whether on the main stage or not, I am so proud to fight for the people of Tennessee every single day.”
Johnson also posted various clips to Instagram that she apparently recorded on Thursday, during the final night of the convention, indicating she remained in the audience after losing the speaking time.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson” by State Rep Justin Jones.
