Justin Jones

*Representative, Tennessee House District 52 *

Justin Jones is an activist, organizer, legislator, minister, and community leader from Nashville, Tennessee. He is deeply committed to advocacy work centered on racial justice, police accountability, environmental justice, and gun violence prevention.

Jones represents House District 52, the most diverse district in Tennessee. He was elected in 2022 after years of grassroots organizing and community advocacy. His campaign brought together a unique coalition of young people and community members around a message of moral clarity, urgency, and progressive change.

Jones gained national attention as one of the "Tennessee Three" when he was expelled from the Tennessee House of Representatives in March 2023, shortly after The Covenant School shooting. He joined protestors at the front of the house chamber using a bullhorn to advocate for gun control. However, he was reinstated by Metro Council members days later and continues to serve in his elected position.

Political Experience and Notable Advocacy

Prior to his election to the legislature, Jones worked extensively on policy issues affecting Tennessee:

• Served on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Healthcare Campaign, leading actions for Medicaid expansion
• Helped file a federal lawsuit against the State of Tennessee in 2015 challenging restrictive voter ID laws that targeted students
• Organized a 62-day sit-in protest in 2020 calling for racial justice following George Floyd's murder
• Participated in activism opposing harmful legislation, including Governor Bill Lee's education voucher proposals and bills attacking LGBTQ+ communities and immigrants

Education

Specific details about Jones's formal education are not provided in available sources. However, he is described as an educator and has worked as a community organizer and activist throughout his career.