NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Activist Justin Jones officially announced his candidacy for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District - Jim Cooper's seat.
Jones has made headlines for his protests at the State Capitol. During one, he was charged with assault for tossing a paper cup with tea in it onto an elevator with then-House Speaker Glen Casada and others inside. NewsChannel 5 Investigates raised questions in May about efforts by Casada and aide Cade Cothren to get Jones' bond revoked.
He and supporters held an announcement rally at Fisk University Monday afternoon.
"Because our families are hurting. Our communities are hurting. This election is not about those who are comfortable. We're not going to change Green Hills and Belle Meade; this election is about those who feel the friction and pain on the margins of our community. those who checked out of politics because it's always the same faces, the same names, doing the same old nothing. for our community," said Jones.
Jones said he's already faced people who say he can't or shouldn't run because, for so long, it's been about having the right family name - or wealth - or owning property in Nashville. Yet, Jones says it shouldn't matter because the vast majority of people in Nashville can't even afford to buy houses here.
