PEOPLE POWER DELIVERS VICTORY IN SECOND SPECIAL ELECTION
WE THE PEOPLE
This second victory is a testament to People Power.
The republicans tried to deny the People of District 86 their right to representation, but you would not be denied. You went to the ballot box again and again to reclaim your voice with your votes. I am deeply moved and grateful for the outpouring of support you have shown to my family, the Movement and me. This victory is yours. People Power wins and this is but one of many more victories to come as we continue to work together for justice.
Our United States Constitution preamble begins with “We, the People” and it will be We, the People, that will see justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. I applaud my opponent Jeff Johnston for his participation in the democratic process. This is what democracy looks like.
This is only the beginning for our Movement. We will organize, mobilize and activate to work tirelessly for the day when there are no more calls to respond to mass shootings and gun violence. I look forward to heading back to the Tennessee state capitol Aug. 21 for the special session on gun legislation. We, the People, will march, rally and work to pass legislation that repeals permitless carry laws, expands background checks, and implements extreme risk protection orders. We, the People, will do everything in our power to protect kids, not guns. I thank my family, our supporters and The People who went to the polls to show the world that you can’t expel a Movement and you can’t expel hope!
Justin J. and Team Justin for Justice delivered what his mother, Kimberly Owens Pearson, described as the best birthday present ever–a victory in an unprecedented second special election. About 50 supporters packed the campaign headquarters at Campbell’s Event Center in South Memphis to celebrate her birthday and the landslide victory. Justin J. charged the crowd that the evening’s victory was only one of many more to come and that the Movement for justice started in District 86 and will roll across Shelby County, the state of Tennessee and, ultimately, our nation. “Just stick with us. This is only the beginning. Keep giving. Keep supporting. Keep fighting. Let’s do this!”
TN House District 86 Special General Election Results, Aug. 3, 2023
Justin J. kneels before 94-year-old voter Bobbie A. Franklin Holcomb on election day to express his respect, admiration and gratitude for her strength, wisdom and support. Ms. Holcomb is living history as the daughter of one of the men who founded Tent City (also known as Freedom Village) in 1960 in Fayette County, TN. Tent City was an encampment for African Americans who were evicted from their homes and blacklisted from buying amenities because they dared to register to vote. The encampment lasted two years.
