Georgia Democrat who backed Trump reverses resignation — one day after quitting
In a stunning about-face, Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones says he isn’t resigning after all.
The reversal comes one day after Jones, who faced a barrage of criticism when he backed President Donald Trump’s re-election bid, announced intentions to quit his post and cut short his term in office.
In a statement announcing his resignation Wednesday, the Georgia Democrat had accused fellow Dems of attacking him and his family in response to the endorsement and said he had officially “left the plantation.” By Thursday afternoon, the state lawmaker said he’d changed his mind.
“I will not allow the Democrats to bully me into submission,” Jones wrote in a tweet, accompanied by a short video message. “I will not let them win. I will NOT resign. #MAGA”
Jones said it was the “outpour of support” from his constituents and others that helped change his mind.
“When I started receiving the overwhelming amount of support and outcry from the people I represent in House District 91 in DeKalb and Rockdale counties, my fellow Georgians and fellow Americans across this country and every walk of life, ... that was emotional. And that was motivational,” he said in the video clip.
Jones said he also spoke with his family and supporters before reversing his decision.
“Because of what you did for me, I’m going to remain on the battlefield,” he added. “I’m going to complete my term. I’m going to continue to put my country before my party.”
Jones also promised to throw his full support behind Trump’s re-election because “he’s the man for this job.”
The lawmaker has piled on praise for the Republican president, telling The Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this month: “President Trump’s handling of the economy, his support for historically black colleges and his criminal justice initiatives drew me to endorse his campaign.”
On Twitter, fellow “MAGA” supporters were happy to hear Jones had a change of heart.
“Good for u Rep! Never let the left bully you into submission,” one user tweeted. “They fear free thinking black pple like us because we have been the fodder for their political power for so long.”
“Don’t let the DemocRATS hold you back!” another wrote.
Though Jones is supporting a GOP president, the lawmaker said he has no plans to switch parties.