Last week, Democratic state Representative John DeBerry, who has been serving the Tennessee General Assembly in the 90th district for 26 years, was ousted from his own party for supporting the Republican position on issues like abortion and school choice. He appealed, and on Wednesday, even with the support of the Black Caucus, the Democratic Party rejected his appeal by a vote of 40–24.

This means DeBerry is no longer on the August state primary ballot and cannot run as either an Independent or a Republican because the filing deadline has passed.

Democratic House Minority Leader Karen Camper disagreed with the committee’s decision, maintaining that the people of Tennessee should have had a say. “The people of his district have sent John DeBerry to Nashville to be their voice 13 times,” she said. “If someone believes their voices and values are better fits for a district, I encourage them to file for office and make their argument to the voters.”

DeBerry responded last Friday, “What happened yesterday was basically unprecedented. Without notice, without warning, without time to garner a defense or allow people from my district to make any type of comment, I was removed by a tribunal.”

DeBerry indicated that he may run for the seat in the future as an Independent or Republican.

News Sources

DeBerry Case Highlights Questions of Party Loyalty
Memphis Flyer

Rep. John DeBerry's ouster from the Tennessee Democratic Party questioned: Why him? Why now?
Tennessean

Committee rejects DeBerry’s appeal to remain on ballot
AP News

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