One time Democrats now turned republican, Vernon Jones has suspended his Georgia governor campaign and announced plans to run for U.S. Congress.
Jones, who was running for the nomination in the Republican primary against current Gov. Brian Kemp and former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, made the announcement on social media on Monday.
“After much prayer & consideration I have decided that I can best serve the people of Georgia in the Congress of the United States,” Jones said in the announcement.
Vernon Jones, the Georgia Democrat who said he would step down after endorsing President Trump for reelection retracted his resignation Thursday.
Jones announced on Twitter that he would remain in office for the remainder of his term after receiving support for his endorsement, which he said was “emotional” and “motivational.”
Yesterday, I announced my intentions to resign from my office. But shortly thereafter, the outpour of support I received was too great for me to ignore.
— Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 23, 2020
I will not allow the Democrats to bully me into submission. I will not let them win.
I will NOT resign. #MAGA pic.twitter.com/gR2MsU5Rb3
UPDATE 04/23/2020: Vernon Jones Retracts Resignation.
Vernon Jones, a polarizing Democratic state lawmaker in Georgia says that he is resigning after he broke party ranks to endorse President Donald Trump’s reelection.
Jones, who represents parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties, said that he will not complete his current term because was "sick and tired of me and my family being attacked and harassed by the Democratic Party."
Jones’ endorsement of Trump was quickly blasted by other Georgia Democrats. State Sen. Nikema Williams, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, issued a statement calling Jones an “embarrassment” and said he “does not stand for our values.”
On Wednesday, the Georgia lawmaker responded, saying that he was an "independent thinking " and that his "first amendment right to freedom of speech is under seige."
"I intend to help the Democrat Party get rid of its bigotry against Black people that are independent and conservative. I endorsed the White guy (Donald J. Trump) that let Blacks out of jail, and they endorsed the White guy (Joe Biden) that put Blacks in jail," Jones said. "Turn the lights off, I have left the plantation. Someone else can occupy that suite."
Jones said his resignation was effective immediately.
