April 15, 2020
Democratic Georgia State Rep. Vernon Jones Endorses Trump for Re-Election
It looks like Diamond and Silk have a friend in Georgia!
A Democratic politician from the Peach State has officially endorsed President Donald Trump for re-election for a second term, according to The Grio.
State Rep. Vernon Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Trump was a transformational figure who has helped the black community. “It’s very simple to me. President Trump’s handling of the economy, his support for historically black colleges and his criminal justice initiatives drew me to endorse his campaign,” Jones said.
@realDonaldTrump is the most action oriented president of my lifetime. I enthusiastically support his re-election. See stmt @nytimes @WashTimes @washingtonpost @seanhannity pic.twitter.com/EEmtfSIDpA
— Vernon Jones (@VernonJonesUSA1) April 14, 2020
“This is not about switching parties. There are a lot of African Americans who clearly see and appreciate he’s doing something that’s never been done before,” Jones added. “When you look at the unemployment rates among black Americans before the pandemic, they were at historic lows. That’s just a fact.”
Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Nikema Williams disagreed. She released a statement on the Democratic Party’s behalf.
“Vernon Jones is an embarrassment to the Democratic Party and does not stand for our values. Never has that been clearer than this moment, when he chose to stand with the racist president who has made an all-out assault on Black Americans, who has tried to rip away American health care, and who has failed our country in its greatest time of need during the most important election in our lifetimes. Vernon Jones doesn’t speak for Georgians, and neither does Donald Trump—which is why Georgians will send him home in November 2020.”
“A philosopher once said, ‘One courageous man in the crowd is a majority.’ I’ve got the courage to express my convictions,” Jones said. “I believe that Donald Trump is the best person to lead this country going forward.”
The endorsement is not a total shock. Jones previously voted twice for President George W. Bush and his voting record aligns more with the Republican party. He has co-sponsored bills that would crackdown on undocumented migrants.
Jones faces a primary battle with businesswoman Rhonda Taylor on May 19.