Former AG Eric Holder representing expelled Tennessee lawmaker, demands his return to Legislature

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder demanded in a letter to Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton on Monday that expelled Tennessee state Rep. Justin Jones be returned to the Legislature immediately if he and state Rep. Justin Pearson are reappointed by local officials. 

"Their partisan expulsion was extraordinary, illegal and without any historical or legal precedent," the letter reads, referring to the GOP-led Legislature's decision to expel Jones and Pearson. "We are reviewing these unconstitutional actions to understand how best to remedy them."

The letter is signed by a legal team that includes the former U.S. Attorney General, who is representing Jones with D.C. firm Covington & Burling. Pearson is being represented by Memphis firm Burch Porter & Johnson.

The Tennessee state Legislature voted last week to expel Jones and Pearson but failed to remove state Rep. Gloria Johnson by a single vote.

During a recent protest, the trio approached the podium and used a bullhorn to shout encouragement to the protesters outside, who were demanding gun control legislation.

Pearson thanked the attorneys on social media for their support. 

"It's been the honor of my life to serve District 86 as their State House Representative," he stated. "I want nothing more than to serve again & I’m thankful that Scott Crosby @burchporter is representing us alongside @brotherjones & @EricHolder. May we continue to build this Movement!"