Justin Pearson, a Tennessee state representative known for having once been expelled by state Republicans and unanimously reappointed by Shelby County officials, is launching a campaign for Congress, challenging Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., in the Democratic primary. His aim, he told Salon, is to combat poverty across the United States.

In 2023, Johnson gained national attention after he and two fellow state representatives, Gloria Johnson and Justin Jones, were expelled from the state House by Republicans, who accused them of breaking decorum for participating in a gun-control protest.

Now, Pearson is running for Congress with the support of Justice Democrats, a group that helps elect progressive House members like Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D–Mich. He also has the backing of Leaders We Deserve,

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