Vernon Jones

{{about|the American politician|the disappearance of actor Vernon Jones|Disappearance of Vernon Jones}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Vernon Jones

| image = Press Conference with Rep. Vernon Jones and Michael Daugherty (cropped).jpg

| caption = Jones in 2021

| office = Member of the Georgia House of Representatives

| constituency = 91st district

| term_start = January 9, 2017

| term_end = January 11, 2021

| predecessor = Dee Dawkins-Haigler

| successor = Rhonda Taylor

| constituency1 = 71st district

| term_start1 = January 1, 1993

| term_end1 = January 1, 2001

| predecessor1 = Sidney Jones

| successor1 = Walter Ronnie Sailor Jr.

| office2 = Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County

| term_start2 = January 1, 2001

| term_end2 = January 1, 2009

| predecessor2 = Liane Levetan{{cite web |url=http://digitalcollections.library.gsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/findingaids/id/2157 |title=Liane Levetan: A Guide to Her Papers at Georgia State University Library |publisher=Georgia State University Library |date=August 2013 |access-date=April 24, 2015}}

| successor2 = Burrell Ellis{{cite web |url=https://creativeloafing.com/content-170598-dekalb-ceo-burrell-ellis-isn-t-your-typical |title=DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis isn't your typical politician: That's part of his problem |work=Creative Loafing |date=November 4, 2010 |access-date=April 24, 2015 |author=Stuart, Gwynedd |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907175232/http://clatl.com/atlanta/dekalb-ceo-burrell-ellis-isnt-your-typical-politician/Content?oid=2298111 |url-status=live }}

| birth_name = Vernon Angus Jones

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1960|10|31}}

| birth_place = Laurel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Democratic (before 2021)
Republican (2021–present)

| education = North Carolina Central University (BA)

}}

Vernon Angus Jones (born October 31, 1960) is an American politician who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001 and from 2017 to 2021.

Between his periods in the Georgia House of Representatives, Jones was chief executive officer of DeKalb County from 2001 to 2009. He has also run unsuccessfully for the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and DeKalb County Sheriff.

Jones began his political career as a Democrat, but became a Republican in 2021 after endorsing Donald Trump for re-election and speaking at the 2020 Republican National Convention.{{cite news|last=Lemon|first=Jason|title=Georgia State Rep. Vernon Jones Announces He's Joined GOP, Been Fighting 'Demon Democrats'|url=https://www.newsweek.com/georgia-state-rep-vernon-jones-announces-hes-joined-gop-been-fighting-demon-democrats-1559375|access-date=6 January 2021|website=Newsweek|date=6 January 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-georgia-rep-who-endorsed-trump-resigns-after-backlash-report|title=Democratic Georgia rep who endorsed Trump resigns after backlash: report|last=Olson|first=Tyler|work=Fox News|date= 22 April 2020|access-date=22 April 2020}} Jones initially ran for Governor of Georgia in the Republican primary against incumbent Brian Kemp in the 2022 Georgia gubernatorial election before running unsuccessfully for the U.S. House.{{cite web|website=ABC News|title=Former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones to challenge Gov. Brian Kemp in GOP primary|first=Quinn|last=Scanlan|date=April 16, 2021|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/georgia-state-rep-vernon-jones-challenge-gov-brian/story?id=77099138}}

Early life and business career

Born in Laurel Hill, North Carolina, Jones grew up on a farm in rural North Carolina. His father was a veteran of World War II who worked in a mill; his mother and siblings worked on the family farm. Jones was the fifth of six children, with four brothers and a sister. He attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, and became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity there, before graduating with a B.A. in business administration in 1983.{{cite web | title = Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones; CEO Biography| author= | publisher = DeKalb County, Georgia | url = http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/ceo.htm | access-date = August 2, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080730045940/http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/ceo.htm |archive-date = July 30, 2008}} Jones also completed the John F. Kennedy School of Government's Executive Program.{{cite web | url=http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/vernon-jones-39 | title=CivicMakers: Vernon Jones | publisher=The History Makers | date=August 13, 2003 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | author=}}

Jones began his career in the telecommunications industry, first working with MCI Communications (which later became MCI Inc.) and later BellSouth Corporation. At BellSouth, he was part of a team that established wireless communications in Montevideo, Uruguay. Jones has served on the DeKalb Board of Health, the Atlanta Regional Commission, the DeKalb Library Board, the DeKalb Pension Board, and the Board of Visitors for Emory University and North Carolina Central University.{{cite web | url=https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/91477/vernon-jones | title=Vernon Jones' Biography | publisher=Project Vote Smart | access-date=April 24, 2015 | author=}}

Political career

=Georgia House of Representatives=

Jones was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1992, representing District SH 071, succeeding Sidney Pope Jones Jr.{{cite web | url=http://statregister.galileo.usg.edu/statregister/view?docId=statregister/statsup1989/statsup1989-0488.xml | title=General election and constitutional amendments, November 6, 1990 | publisher=State of Georgia | date=November 1990 | access-date=April 24, 2015 | page=200}} Jones served from 1993 to 2001, during which time he was a member of the Appropriations Committee, the Insurance Committee, and the Health & Ecology Committee,{{cite web | url=http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/Archives/19992000/house/gash071.htm | title=Hon. Vernon Jones (GA SH 071) | publisher=Georgia House of Representatives | date=June 26, 2000 | access-date=April 24, 2015 | author=}} as well as the Banking Committee, and a special Judiciary Committee. Jones also chaired the Chairman of the Health Professions Subcommittee. Among the proposals Jones sponsored or co-sponsored in the Georgia House was a bill to remove the Confederate battle flag emblem from Georgia State flag, and a bill that would have banned minors from purchasing music with explicit lyrics. Jones did not stand for reelection in 2000, instead running for DeKalb County CEO, and was succeeded in the Georgia House by Ron Sailor.{{cite web | url=http://sos.ga.gov/elections/election_results/2000_1107/0014200.htm | title=State Representative – District 71 | publisher=Georgia Secretary of State | work=Georgia Election Results: Official Results of the November 7, 2000 General Election | date=November 17, 2000 | access-date=April 24, 2015 | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231603/http://sos.ga.gov/elections/election_results/2000_1107/0014200.htm | url-status=dead }}

=DeKalb County CEO=

Jones was elected as chief executive officer of DeKalb County, Georgia, in 2000, winning 64% of the vote, and was re-elected in 2004 with 54% of the vote. Jones is the first African American to serve as CEO of the county. In April 2001, shortly after Jones became CEO, he voted, along with five other DeKalb County Commissioners, to offer life and health insurance benefits to the domestic partners of gay and unmarried County employees. DeKalb was the first county in Georgia to offer such benefits.{{cite news | url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/partners/ajc/epaper/editions/today/local_news_a39ea0f203b0f1d80056.html | title=DeKalb approves giving benefits to domestic partners | work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date=April 27, 2001 | access-date=April 26, 2015 | author=Anderson, Will | location=Atlanta, GA | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010427000000/http://www.accessatlanta.com/partners/ajc/epaper/editions/today/local_news_a39ea0f203b0f1d80056.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 27, 2001 }} [http://spiritualawakenings.faithweb.com/News/DeKalb.html Alt URL] During his administration, DeKalb County established the first local Homeland Security Office in 2001.{{cite journal | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rg8AAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA38 | title=Agenda: Versus | author= | journal=Atlanta |date=May 2008 | page=38}} He requested and received Congressional designation of Arabia Mountain as a National Heritage Area. Jones was also primarily responsible for creation of DeKalb County's first economic development department, which generated $4 billion in new investments.{{cite journal | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jQ8AAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA92 | title=Mr. Big: Love him or hate him, no one has lukewarm feelings about Vernon Jones [...] | author=Thomas, Chandra R. | journal=Atlanta Magazine |date=July 2006 | pages=92–107}}

However, Jones's term as DeKalb County CEO was also known for controversies and accusations of improprieties. Shortly after taking office Jones went back on his campaign pledge to keep the homestead exemption sales tax in place.{{cite news | url=https://creativeloafing.com/content-185075-cover-story-tyrannosaurus-jones | title=Tyrannosaurus Jones, Magnetic leader or monster: Will the real Vernon please stand up? | work=Creative Loafing Atlanta | date=July 7, 2005 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | author=Henry, Scott | location=Atlanta, GA | page=3}} He was criticized for vetoing pay raises for police officers.{{cite news | url=http://archive.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=112759 | title=DeKalb Public Safety Raise Vetoed | work=11 Alive Atlanta | date=March 12, 2008 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | author=King, Michael | location=Atlanta, GA | author2=Leslie, Jennifer | archive-date=April 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20150424035336/http://archive.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=112759 | url-status=dead }} In January 2005, the Georgia State Ethics Commission sanctioned Jones for campaign contribution limit violations in his 2004 reelection campaign. Under a Consent Order, Jones returned all excess contributions and personally paid a $7,500 civil penalty.{{cite web | url=http://media.ethics.ga.gov/commission/minutes/CM_01072005.pdf | title=Minutes of the State Ethics Commission Meeting Held January 7, 2005 | publisher=Georgia State Ethics Commission | date=January 7, 2005 | access-date=April 25, 2015 | author=Nicholson, Sam G. | author2=Farrow, Steve | author3=Williams, Jack | author4=Bowers, Emmett | author5=Moskowitz, David}} Jones apologized and stated that changes in campaign finance laws between the initial election and the run-off election were the reason for his acceptance of nineteen improper campaign contributions. He was initially accused of illegally using campaign funds to promote the 2005 bond referendum, but the State Ethics Commission "found no reasonable grounds" for the complaint.{{cite web | url=http://media.ethics.ga.gov/commission/minutes/CM_11292007.pdf | title=Meeting Minutes November 29, 2007; In the Matter of Vernon Jones, Case No. (2005-0107) | publisher=Georgia State Ethics Commission | date=November 29, 2007 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | author=Jordan, William H. | pages=5–7 | author2=Bowers, Emmett | author3=Pollard, Griffin B. Jr. | author4=Gatewood, James C.}}

=2008 United States Senate campaign=

Jones ran for the U.S. Senate in 2008, but was defeated 60% to 40% in the 2008 run-off for Georgia's Democratic U.S. Senate primary.{{cite news | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2008/08/11/editorial1.html | title=Jones Humble in Defeat | work=Atlanta Business Chronicle| date=August 8, 2008 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | author=Williams, Dick | location=Atlanta, GA}}

On March 23, 2007, Jones announced he was running for the United States Senate against incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss. Jones was criticized by his chief rival Jim Martin over his more conservative politics and past support for George W. Bush. Jones' campaign was also marred by two new controversies. Jones sent out a flier in which he appeared in a digitally altered picture next to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama with the words "Yes We Can." However, Obama himself stated he not only never posed with Jones, he did not endorse Jones or any other candidate for the Democratic nomination for Senate.{{cite news | url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-07-03-3697703725_x.htm | title=Obama says Jones mailer is not an endorsement | agency=Associated Press | date=July 4, 2008 | access-date=April 24, 2015 | first=Shannon| last=Mccaffrey |newspaper=USA Today}} In response, Jones blamed his "liberal opponents backed by the liberal media" for trying to ruin his campaign.{{cite journal|date=May 2008|title=Vernon Jones vs. Dale Caldwell|journal=Atlanta|page=38|issn=0004-6701}} Jones was also criticized for the appearance of the tagline "Vote Vernon Jones for GA Senate" on tickets, produced using county funds, for the Dekalb County Blues and Jazz Festival. The company who printed the tickets, supporters of Jones' campaign, took responsibility for the incident; saying that they were unaware campaign finance laws made such an action illegal.{{cite news | first = Jim | last=Galloway | title = Political Note on Tickets Cause Stir | newspaper = Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date = July 22, 2008 }}

In the July 15, 2008 Democratic primary election, Jones won a plurality of votes in the Democratic primary. However, Georgia law requires a majority; if no majority is reached by a candidate, the two top vote-getters must face one another in a runoff. On August 5, 2008, Jones lost the run-off election to Jim Martin by a margin of 20 points. Jones unexpectedly lost to Martin in his home base of Dekalb County.{{cite news | author = Rachel Kapochunas | title = Martin Wins Georgia Dem Runoff, Will Challenge Sen. Chambliss | journal = Congressional Quarterly | date = August 5, 2008 }} Jones had lost support within the Black community before the runoff election, and only captured two-thirds of the Black vote in the head-to-head match up against Martin. The Black turnout in the run-off was also substantially lower than the initial primary election, further hurting Jones' chances in the runoff.{{cite news | title=What's Next for Vernon Jones? | work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date=August 10, 2008 }}

{{Election box begin | title=2008 Georgia U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Election{{cite web |url=http://sos.ga.gov/elections/election_results/2008_0715/00302.htm |title=Georgia Election Results; Official Results of the Tuesday, July 15, 2008 General Primary Election |publisher=Georgia Secretary of State |date=September 25, 2008 |access-date=April 25, 2015 |archive-date=October 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016033931/http://sos.ga.gov/elections/election_results/2008_0715/00302.htm |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Vernon Jones

|votes = 199,026

|percentage = 40.4

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jim Martin

|votes = 169,635

|percentage = 34.4

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Dale Cardwell

|votes = 79,181

|percentage = 16.1

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Rand Knight

|votes = 25,667

|percentage = 5.2

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Josh Lanier

|votes = 19,717

|percentage = 4.0

|change =

}}

{{Election box turnout|

|votes = 493,226

|percentage = 100.0

|change =

}}

{{Election box begin | title=2008 Georgia U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Election Runoff{{cite web |url=http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/election_results/2008_0805/00302.htm |title=Georgia Election Results; Official Results of the Tuesday, August 05, 2008 Primary Election Runoff |publisher=Georgia Secretary of State |date=August 15, 2008 |access-date=April 25, 2015 |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219231601/http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/election_results/2008_0805/00302.htm |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jim Martin

|votes = 191,061

|percentage = 59.9

|change = +25.5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Vernon Jones

|votes = 127,993

|percentage = 40.1

|change = -0.3

}}

{{Election box turnout|

|votes = 319,054

|percentage = 100.0

|change =

}}

=Unsuccessful races=

In 2010, Jones launched an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Congress in Georgia's 4th congressional district.{{cite web | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/election-2010/33/ | title=Election 2010: Vernon Jones | website=CBS News | date=July 20, 2010 | access-date=April 24, 2015 | first=Hyosub | last=Shin}} In 2014, Jones ran unsuccessfully for Sheriff of DeKalb County, GA. He lost to incumbent Sheriff Jeff Mann, 76% to 24%.{{cite web | url=http://www.peachpundit.com/2014/07/23/vernon-jones-and-the-politics-of-drinking-clorox/ | title=Vernon Jones And The Politics of Drinking Clorox | work=Peach Pundit | date=July 23, 2014 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | first=George | last=Chidi | archive-date=May 2, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502125226/http://www.peachpundit.com/2014/07/23/vernon-jones-and-the-politics-of-drinking-clorox/ | url-status=dead }}

=Return to the Georgia House=

In March 2016, Jones filed to run for Georgia House of Representatives, this time in House District 91, an open seat vacated by Dee Dawkins-Haigler.{{cite news|title=Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones enters race for Ga. House seat |first=Mark|last=Niesse|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/former-dekalb-ceo-vernon-jones-enters-race-for-house-seat/VYWrc5n16DtEti3rj9FONL/|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=9 March 2016|access-date=17 November 2016}} In the May 2016 Democratic primary election, Jones came within sixty votes of an outright victory, but was forced into a runoff election with Rhonda Taylor.{{cite news|title=House runoff features Vernon Jones and challenger Rhonda Taylor|first=Mark|last=Niesse|url=http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/house-runoff-features-vernon-jones-and-challenger-/nr2yQ/?icmp=AJC_internallink_7212016_AJCtoMyAJC_HD91ELX|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=20 July 2016|access-date=17 November 2016|archive-date=November 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118164323/http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/house-runoff-features-vernon-jones-and-challenger-/nr2yQ/?icmp=AJC_internallink_7212016_AJCtoMyAJC_HD91ELX|url-status=dead}} Jones won the July runoff election{{cite news|title=Vernon Jones wins State House District 91 runoff |first=Wade|last=Marbaugh|url=http://www.newtoncitizen.com/news/local/vernon-jones-wins-state-house-district-runoff/article_35202f0f-e943-531f-8d32-c5a2baf007b0.html|work=The Newton Citizen|date=27 July 2016|access-date=17 November 2016}} and in November 2016, once again won election to the Georgia House, defeating Republican Carl Anuszczyk.{{cite news|title=DeKalb County election results|first=Mark|last=Niesse|url=http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/dekalb-county-election-results/ns5tB/|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=9 November 2016|access-date=17 November 2016|archive-date=November 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118102244/http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/dekalb-county-election-results/ns5tB/|url-status=dead}}

=Endorsement of Donald Trump and change in party affiliation=

On April 14, 2020, Jones became the first state elected Democratic official in Georgia to endorse President Donald Trump's re-election bid.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/georgia-democratic-lawmaker-endorses-trump-presidential-bid/dpqTbn2pBPIivHNgPdNSdN/|title=Georgia Democratic lawmaker endorses Trump's presidential bid|last=Bluestein|first=Greg|website=ajc|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}} Jones said he had no plans to switch political parties and cited Trump's "handling of the economy, his support for historically black colleges and his criminal justice initiatives" as reasons for his endorsement.{{cite news |last=Bluestein |first=Greg |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/georgia-democratic-lawmaker-endorses-trump-presidential-bid/dpqTbn2pBPIivHNgPdNSdN/ |title=State Democrats quickly disown Vernon Jones |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=April 14, 2020 |access-date=April 15, 2020 }} Jones was swiftly disowned by Georgia Democrats, many of whom announced support for Jones' primary challenger, Rhonda Taylor.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-georgia-vernon-jones-atlanta-68e93b02028c8f94a977616f469ae8b6|title=Georgia Democrat stepping down after endorsement of Trump|work=Associated Press News|date=April 22, 2020}} After initially saying he would resign from the state House, Jones reversed himself and said that he would complete the rest of his term, but would not seek reelection.{{cite news|first=Tanasia|last=Kenne|url=https://www.macon.com/news/state/georgia/article242239411.html|title=GA state Rep. Vernon Jones reverses resignation|newspaper=Macon Telegraph|date=April 23, 2020}}

Jones addressed the Republican National Convention in August 2020 and reiterated his endorsement of Trump.{{Cite web|last=Pramuk|first=Jacob|date=August 24, 2020|title=Here's the speaker lineup for the first night of the Republican National Convention|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/24/rnc-schedule-speakers-tonight.html|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=CNBC|language=en}} On October 16, 2020, Jones spoke at a Trump rally in Macon, Georgia and crowd-surfed afterwards, which drew criticism as it occurred in the middle of a pandemic with a mostly maskless crowd.{{cite web | url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/the-jolt-never-mind-the-pandemic-vernon-jones-crowd-surfs-a-mask-deficient-trump-crowd/OPUIZWSB5FB4JGJJSYYPW6OGJQ/ | title=The Jolt: Never mind the pandemic -- Vernon Jones crowd-surfs a mask-deficient Trump crowd | newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date=October 19, 2020 | access-date=October 21, 2020 | first=Patricia | last=Murphy}}

Jones promoted and perpetuated Trump's false claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election.{{cite web|first=Quinn|last=Scanlan|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/georgia-state-rep-vernon-jones-challenge-gov-brian/story?id=77099138|title=Former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones to challenge Gov. Brian Kemp in GOP primary|website=ABC News|date=April 16, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2020/11/05/vernon_jones_stacey_abrams_you_want_a_fair_fight_bring_it_on.html|title=Vernon Jones: "Stacey Abrams You Want A Fair Fight? Bring It On"|website=Real Clear Politics}} Jones withdrew his bid for re-election in 2020 and his term ended on January 11, 2021.{{cite web|last=Prabhu|first=Maya|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-democratic-lawmaker-who-endorsed-trump-abandons-plans-resign/hBFiqiOpQ9K2jd42zELoCL/|title=Georgia Democratic lawmaker who endorsed Trump abandons plans to resign|newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=30 April 2020|access-date=15 February 2021}} On January 6, 2021, he spoke at the rally in Washington D.C. before Trump's own speech, saying that he stands "firm for President Donald J. Trump" and announcing that he was changing his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican amid cheers from the audience; after the rally, the pro-Trump protesters stormed the United States Capitol Building.{{cite news | newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date = January 6, 2021 | title = Protestors backing Trump roll into capitol to cheer him on protesters | first = Stephanie | last=Toone | url = https://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/protesters-backing-trump-roll-into-capital-to-cheer-him-on/ZWFFKVEGSZGJDND2BNK36MOD6I/}}{{cite news | website = cbs46.com | date = January 7, 2021 | title = Georgia Democrat fired up Trump crowd before protest turned violent | first = Rebekka |last = Schramm | url = https://www.cbs46.com/news/georgia-democrat-fired-up-trump-crowd-before-protest-turned-violent/article_df066bc2-5117-11eb-8292-df28e33bfeae.html | access-date = February 3, 2021 | archive-date = February 3, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210203025900/https://www.cbs46.com/news/georgia-democrat-fired-up-trump-crowd-before-protest-turned-violent/article_df066bc2-5117-11eb-8292-df28e33bfeae.html | url-status = dead }}

= 2022 Georgia gubernatorial election =

In April 2021, Jones announced his intention to declare a run in the 2022 Georgia gubernatorial election against incumbent Republican Brian Kemp.{{cite web|last=Scanlan|first=Quinn|date=April 16, 2021|title=Former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones to challenge Gov. Brian Kemp in GOP primary|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/georgia-state-rep-vernon-jones-challenge-gov-brian/story?id=77099138|website=ABC News|access-date=April 16, 2021}} He was joined by 107th Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani and 40th New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik in his announcement. His announcement came after movement from Republicans to challenge Kemp in the challenge, after Donald Trump criticized Kemp for refusing to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.{{cite web|last1=Fordham|first1=Evie|date=6 December 2020|title=Doug Collins for Georgia governor? Lawmaker dodges question after Trump praise|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doug-collins-georgia-governor-trump-kemp|website=Fox News}}{{cite web|last1=Isenstadt|first1=Alex|date=November 22, 2020|title=Trump threatens to wreak havoc on GOP from beyond the White House|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/22/trump-wreak-havoc-gop-white-house-438859|access-date=January 12, 2021|website=Politico}}

Jones trailed Kemp and former Senator David Perdue in the Republican primary polls. In February 2022, Jones announced that he was suspending his campaign and endorsed Perdue.{{cite web|first1=Veronica|last1=Stracqualursi|first2=Terence|last2=Burlij|title=Vernon Jones ends bid for Georgia governor and endorses Perdue in GOP primary against Kemp |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/07/politics/vernon-jones-georgia-governor-race-2022/index.html |website=CNN |date=February 7, 2022}}

= 2022 United States House campaign =

{{Main|2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Georgia#District 10}}

After withdrawing his candidacy for governor, Jones announced he would run for the United States House of Representatives in Georgia's 10th congressional district. He entered the crowded Republican primary with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.{{cite news |last1=Bluestein |first1=Greg |title=Vernon Jones abandons bid for governor to run for US House seat |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/vernon-jones-abandons-bid-for-governor-to-run-for-us-house-seat/NBRBJ755ENER3IIJ4PJO6YUDGA/ |access-date=7 February 2022 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |publisher=Cox Enterprises |date=7 February 2022}} Jones pledged if elected, he would introduce articles of impeachment against President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.{{cite news |last1=Roche |first1=Darragh |title=Vernon Jones Says He'll Impeach Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on Day One if Elected |url=https://www.newsweek.com/vernon-jones-impeach-joe-biden-kamala-harris-day-one-republicans-midterms-1677951|access-date=11 February 2022 |publisher=Newsweek |date=10 February 2022}} In May 2022, Jones placed second in the primary behind trucking executive Mike Collins. Neither candidate got above 50% of the vote so the two advanced to a runoff in June 2022, which Jones lost.{{cite news |last1=Hurt |first1=Emma |title=Mike Collins defeats Trump-backed Vernon Jones in Georgia's 10th district|url=https://www.axios.com/2022/06/22/mike-collins-vernon-jones-georgia |access-date=28 June 2022 |work= |publisher=Axios |date=21 June 2022}}

{{Election box begin | title=2022 Georgia's 10th congressional district Republican Primary Election{{cite web |title=General Primary/Special Election - Unofficial Results|url=https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/GA/113667/web.285569/#/summary|publisher=GEORGIA SECRETARY OF STATE |access-date=30 May 2022 |date=29 May 2022}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mike Collins

|votes = 28,741

|percentage = 25.6

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Vernon Jones

|votes = 24,165

|percentage = 21.5

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Timothy Barr

|votes = 16,007

|percentage = 14.3

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Paul Broun

|votes = 14,901

|percentage = 13.3

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = David Curry

|votes = 19,717

|percentage = 9.4

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| candidate = Alan Sims

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 7,388

| percentage = 6.6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| candidate = Marc McMain

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 5,222

| percentage = 4.7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| candidate = Mitchell Swan

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 5,184

| percentage = 4.6

}}

{{Election box turnout|

|votes = 112,165

|percentage = 100.0

|change =

}}

{{Election box begin | title=2022 Georgia's 10th congressional district Republican Primary Election Runoff{{cite web |title=General Primary/Special Election Runoff|url=https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/GA/114891/web.285569/#/summary|publisher=GEORGIA SECRETARY OF STATE |access-date=28 June 2022 |date=21 June 2022}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mike Collins

|votes = 30,536

|percentage = 74.4

|change = +48.8

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Vernon Jones

|votes = 10,469

|percentage = 25.5

|change = +4.0

}}

{{Election box turnout|

|votes = 41,005

|percentage = 100.0

|change =

}}

Political positions

During his 2008 Senate campaign, Jones described himself as a "conservative Democrat" who favors "tough immigration laws and fiscal responsibility" as well as "supporter of gun rights and a staunch environmental advocate".{{cite news | url=http://savannahnow.com/intown/2008-08-02/vernon-jones-look-my-record | title=Vernon Jones: 'Look at my record' | work=Savannah Morning News | date=August 3, 2008 | access-date=April 26, 2015 | author=McCaffrey, Shannon | location=Savannah, GA}} During his 2008 campaign, he stated that he opposed same-sex marriage.{{cite news | url=http://www.peachpundit.com/2008/06/29/democrats-debate-jim-martin-opposes-gay-marriage/ | title=Democrats Debate: Jim Martin Opposes Gay Marriage | work=Peach Pundit | date=June 29, 2008 | access-date=April 26, 2015 | author=Andre in Atlanta | archive-date=November 16, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116172721/http://www.peachpundit.com/2008/06/29/democrats-debate-jim-martin-opposes-gay-marriage/ | url-status=dead }} OnTheIssues.org rated Jones as a "Moderate Libertarian Conservative".{{cite web | url=http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/Vernon_Jones.htm | title=Vernon Jones (Democratic Senate challenger) On the Issues | publisher=OnTheIssues.org & The SpeakOut Foundation | work=OnTheIssues.org | date=July 2008 | access-date=April 25, 2015 | author=}} Jones stated that he voted for George W. Bush in 2004, and supported Barack Obama in 2008.{{cite news| title = More on Vernon Jones and Dale Cardwell| newspaper = The Atlanta Journal-Constitution| date = May 1, 2008}} Jones donated $2,464 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US|value=2464|start_year=2001}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) in two separate donations to the Georgia Republican Party in 2001.{{cite web | title = FEC Individual Contributions | publisher = Federal Election Commission | date = January 12, 2001 | url = http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?21990182796 | access-date = July 30, 2008 | archive-date = September 19, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080919103154/http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?21990182796 | url-status = dead }}{{cite web | title = FEC Individual Contributions | publisher = Federal Election Commission | date = January 12, 2001 | url = http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?22990400879 | access-date = July 30, 2008 | archive-date = September 19, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080919103021/http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?22990400879 | url-status = dead }} In a 2014 press release, Jones characterized himself as an "advocate for limited government, security and protections for all citizens, balanced budgeting, ethical and efficient elections, [and] job creation".{{cite web | url=http://operationpeopleforpeace.org/democratic-politician-ceo-dekalb-county-georgia-vernon-jones-art-rocker-radio-show/ | title=Press Release: Democratic Politician and Former CEO of DeKalb County, Georgia, Vernon Jones to appear on The Art Rocker Radio Show | publisher=Operation People for Peace, Inc. | date=December 9, 2014 | access-date=April 26, 2015 | author=Donahue, J. M. | archive-date=April 3, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403162400/http://operationpeopleforpeace.org/democratic-politician-ceo-dekalb-county-georgia-vernon-jones-art-rocker-radio-show/ | url-status=dead }} Jones was the only Democratic cosponsor of the bill to legalize the concealed carry of firearms on Georgia's college campuses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/50346|title=Georgia General Assembly|website=www.legis.ga.gov}}

=Position on abortion=

Jones has been unclear about his position on abortion. While he was a Democratic member of the Georgia House of Representatives, he voted against Georgia House Bill 481, an anti-abortion law that sought to prevent Georgia physicians from performing an abortion beyond six weeks.{{Cite web|url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/91477/vernon-jones/2/abortion|title=The Voter's Self Defense System}} He claimed at the time that he would become Speaker of the Georgia House because of the anti-abortion bill if Democrats took the House.{{cite tweet|number=1111703721141063680|user=bluestein|title=@TrammellBob @Rosie Now happening:...|date=March 29, 2019}} While running for the Republican nomination for the 2022 Georgia gubernatorial election, he told the University of Georgia's College Republicans organization that he voted against HB 481 because the bill did not go far enough to protect unborn children.{{Cite web|url=https://www.redandblack.com/uganews/vernon-jones-clashes-with-uga-students-during-visit/article_46908fe4-a324-11eb-acc6-d3cd4462cbc3.html|title = Vernon Jones clashes with UGA students during visit| date=April 22, 2021 }}

=LGBT civil rights=

Jones opposes civil rights for LGBT people, having told Steve Bannon, "civil rights for Blacks, and gay rights for gays, are two different things."{{cite news |last1=Papenfuss |first1=Mary |title=Trump-Backed Vernon Jones Says Civil Rights Don't Apply To Gay People Because They 'Can Change' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-vernon-jones-no-civil-rights-for-gays_n_6250db7ae4b0be72bfe93217 |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=The Huffington Post |date=8 April 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Cole |first1=Brendan |title=Vernon Jones Says Being Gay Is a Choice—'They Can Actually Change' |url=https://www.newsweek.com/vernon-jones-civil-rights-gay-change-black-bannon-trump-georgia-1696619 |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=Newsweek |date=8 April 2022}}

Controversies

=Behavior toward women=

According to a 2021 examination of Jones' record by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Jones has a long history of problematic behavior toward women, repeatedly accused of threatening, intimidating and harassing women in his personal and professional lives" over three decades.{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Judd|url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/vying-for-trumps-support-vernon-jones-faces-history-of-misconduct-toward-women/BP65PSEHAJFOPOS2BGB34G4BEA/|title=Vying for Trump's support, Vernon Jones faces history of misconduct toward women|newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=May 14, 2021}} The newspaper reviewed several previously reported episodes, as well as new details that had not previously been reported. In June 1989, three years before his election to the state legislature, Jones (who was then 28 years old) was arrested on a charge of pointing a pistol at a woman in her home in Doraville. Criminal charges were dismissed, and Jones was ordered to attend anger management classes instead.

In 2003, a community activist who complained about Jones' handling of flooding issues said that a disheveled Jones, accompanied by a plainclothes county police officer, confronted her in the evening at her home, approaching her with waving arms and clenched fists and mentioning her husband's recent death. The activist said that she felt threatened and intimidated by Jones. A prosecutor declined to charge Jones with criminal trespass, but warned Jones to stay away from the activist. The activist sued Jones for trespassing and assault; the case was settled out of court on confidential terms in 2009.

In 2004, DeKalb County Commissioner Elaine Boyer made a complaint to Decatur police that Jones "deliberately walked into her and made hard shoulder-to-shoulder contact" after a heated public meeting; she did not pursue charges against Jones, but accused him of verbally abusing commissioners and staff and making "derogatory and degrading comments."

A woman accused Jones of raping her in late December 2004 at a party at his home. Before detectives could take the statement of the woman, the police chief of DeKalb telephoned Jones to inform him of the allegation; a Georgia Attorney General's Office investigation concluded that the chief's call was inappropriate. The woman's name was later leaked to the media, and in 2005, the woman declined to press charges, citing the emotional distress that it would entail.{{cite web | url= https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/rape-claim-vs-ceo-unfolds-in-das-file/HGNUL2CLAND5VDGJ52YCXPUYYE/ | title= Rape claim vs. CEO unfolds in DA's file | newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date=November 25, 2005 | access-date=July 21, 2021 | first=Alan | last=Judd}} Jones was not prosecuted, and the allegation did not cause him significant political damage.

=Security detail expenses=

In 2003, Jones was investigated by a grand jury for his security detail, which cost $800,000 a year. The cost of the detail far surpassed other county officials.{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/all-about-vernon-jones/zSjWgmBugmCDjOwzJPEKbK/|title=All About Vernon Jones|newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=August 23, 2020}} The grand jury investigation found that Jones' five-officer protective detail was "a very expensive decoration" but not unlawful.{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Torpy|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local/kindler-gentler-vernon-jones-set-sights-congress/LksUba2O4wEUdQfqe4Q5fK/|title=Kinder, gentler Vernon Jones set sights on Congress|newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=February 14, 2010}}

=Jury finding of hostile work environment=

In 2004, two current (Michael Bryant, John Drake) and two former (Becky Kelley, Herbert Lowe) senior employees of the Parks Department at the time filed suit against Jones (as CEO of the county), as well as three of Jones' subordinates (former parks director Marilyn Boyd Drew, his former executive assistant Richard Stogner, and Morris Williams), and DeKalb County. The plaintiffs alleged racial discrimination, or in the case of Lowe, "retaliation for refusing to assist in racial discrimination". Kelly, Bryant, and Drake were white, while Lowe was black.{{cite web | url=http://www.leagle.com/decision/In%20FCO%2020090731059.xml/BRYANT%20v.%20JONESt | title=Bryant v. Jones (No. 06-16591) Decision | publisher=Leagle, Inc. | date=July 31, 2009 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | author=United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit}}{{cite news | url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local/dekalb-discrimination-suit-jones-ordered-pay/8fgbEg5lx1mzJO4K4Gps8N/| title=DeKalb discrimination suit: Jones ordered to pay | work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date=April 2, 2010 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | first=Jeffry| last=Scott}}

The defendants moved for summary judgment on the grounds of qualified immunity. In 2006, U.S. District Judge William S. Duffey Jr. denied their motion, holding that the law does not allow "a public official defendant to engage in calculated racial discrimination costumed in a racially neutral garb of administrative actions so it can masquerade as a qualified immunity defense". On November 21, 2006, Duffey ruled that the case could go forward to a jury trial.{{cite news | url=http://www.daltondailycitizen.com/news/discrimination-lawsuit-against-dekalb-county-to-go-to-trial/article_10b255b9-c77b-5dac-baec-f5fd13d0d850.html | title=Discrimination lawsuit against DeKalb County to go to trial | work=Dalton Daily Citizen | date=November 25, 2006 | agency=Associated Press | access-date=April 26, 2015 | author=}} In 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit rejected an appeal by Jones and other defendants, upholding the denial of summary judgment. Judge Gerald Bard Tjoflat, writing for the court, wrote in the ruling that DeKalb County had "embarked on a wholesale plan to replace its white county managers with African Americans" and that Jones had "devised the plan and monitored its execution".

At a jury trial in 2010, the plaintiffs' attorneys called witnesses from across county government in an attempt to demonstrate a countywide policy of discrimination. Jones denied any discrimination. Testimony revealed that during the first five years of Jones' term in office, the number of white senior county managers had dropped from 61 to 57, and the number of African-American senior county managers had risen from 33 to 61.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/02/us/02brfs-AWARDINREVER_BRF.html?_r=1 | title=Georgia: Award in Reverse Discrimination Suit | work=The New York Times | date=April 1, 2010 | access-date=April 23, 2015 | first=Shaila |last=Dewan}}

On April 2, 2010, the jury awarded damages to two of the four plaintiffs (to Bryant, who died before the trial, and to John Drake). The jury found DeKalb County liable for intentional discrimination. The jury found that Jones, Stogner, and Drew "created and maintained a hostile work environment"; they were ordered to pay $185,000 in damages, which was lower than the $2 million requested by plaintiffs. Jones was ordered to personally pay $27,750 in damages,{{cite news | url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/vernon-jones-loses-discrimination-case-in-split-ve/nJcpG/ | title=Vernon Jones Loses Discrimination Case In Split Verdict | work=WSB-TV Channel 2 | date=April 1, 2010 | access-date=April 26, 2015 | first=Richard |last=Belcher |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031112731/http://www.wsbtv.com/news/vernon-jones-loses-discrimination-case-in-split-ve/241767813| archive-date=October 31, 2017 }} which was covered by DeKalb County's liability insurance policy.{{cite news | url=http://crossroadsnews.com/news/2010/apr/09/jones-discrimination-lawsuits-outcome-a-victory/ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20150426051241/http://crossroadsnews.com/news/2010/apr/09/jones-discrimination-lawsuits-outcome-a-victory/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 26, 2015 | title=Jones: Discrimination lawsuits outcome a victory for county | work=CrossRoads News | date=April 9, 2010 | access-date=April 26, 2015 | author=Ffrench-Parker, Jennifer | location=Decatur, GA}}

While the verdict was initially hailed as a victory for Jones, the judge later awarded the plaintiffs an additional $1.9 million in legal fees. In a post-trial settlement, DeKalb County ultimately agreed to pay the plaintiffs a total of $1.3 million for legal fees and damages.{{cite news | url=http://www.georgianewsday.com/news/65651-dekalb-county-to-pay-1-3m-in-race-discrimination-lawsuit.html | title=DeKalb County To Pay $1.3M In Race Discrimination Lawsuit | work=Georgia Newsday | date=April 19, 2011 | agency=Associated Press | access-date=April 26, 2015 | author= | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091009/http://www.georgianewsday.com/news/65651-dekalb-county-to-pay-1-3m-in-race-discrimination-lawsuit.html | url-status=dead }}