When Democratic state Rep. Vernon Jones endorsed President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, he signed a political deathwish.
He endorsed Trump and the colleagues inside his own camp turned against him — and with his first amendment infringed upon, Jones said he had no choice but to leave the party entirely.
“I’m sick and tired of me and my family being attacked and harassed by the Democrat Party for putting my country before my party,” he said.
“I take pride in being an independent thinker. My first amendment right to freedom of speech is under siege.”
Earlier today, I made the decision to not seek re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives.
I look forward, however, to continuing to serve my community in other ways and doing all I can to re-elect @realDonaldTrump.
We will Make America Great Again 🇺🇸
— Vernon Jones (@VernonForGA) April 22, 2020
In his departure, he gave Democrats an earful.
“I intend to help the Democrat Party get rid of its bigotry against Black people that are independent and conservative,” he told local station CBS46.
He said he’s leaving the party’s “plantation” effective immediately.
“Turn the lights off, I have left the plantation. Someone else can occupy that suite. Therefore, I intend not to complete my term effective April 22, 2020. However, I will remain woke and vigilant in educating and fighting for my people,” he said in the statement.
“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,” he said.
Nikema Williams, the Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman, claimed that Jones “does not stand for our values.”
But not everyone is upset.
Jones’ former primary district challenger, Rhonda Taylor, said she thought that Jones made the right decision in leaving the party.
“We appreciate his service and wish him luck in whatever endeavor he embarks upon next,” Taylor said.
So does The Horn News team.
The Horn editorial team