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April 22, 2020, 5:25 PM

2 min read

2 min read

ATLANTA -- A Democratic state lawmaker from Georgia said Wednesday that hes stepping down, just over a week after breaking with his party to endorse President Donald Trump.

Rep. Vernon Jones announced that he wont complete his current term representing portions of metro Atlantas DeKalb and Rockdale counties in the state House and wont seek reelection. I intend not to complete my term effective April 22, 2020, Jones said in a statement.

Jones has been the subject of a complaint alleging that he doesnt live in the district. He has called it baseless.

The Democrat made waves last week when he endorsed Trump, saying in a video that hes backing the Republican president because of his support for criminal justice reform and historically black colleges and universities.

The endorsement resulted in swift blowback from fellow state Democrats, many of whom publicly said they were making donations to Rhonda Taylor, a community activist running for Jones seat in the states Democratic primary set for June 9. State Sen. Nikema Williams, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, issued a statement calling Jones an embarrassment.

Jones is no stranger to controversy. He previously served as DeKalb Countys CEO, weathering allegations of theft in the role, and has often clashed with other Democrats on policy differences around immigration and LGBT issues.

The Left hates me because they cant control me, Jones said on Twitter on Wednesday.

Jones spokesman CJ Pearson said he is exploring other ways to continue serving the community as he supports Trumps reelection.

Joness decision could clear the runway for Taylor to take the seat representing the overwhelmingly Democratic district.

More here:
Georgia Democrat stepping down after endorsement of Trump - ABC News