Update: He changed his mind.
Original Post: Democratic state Rep. Vernon Jones, who recently backed President Trump for re-election, resigned Wednesday after being harassed by his fellow Democrats.
“Turn the lights off, I have left the plantation,” the black lawmaker said in a statement. "Someone else can occupy that suite. Therefore, I intend not to complete my term effective April 22, 2020."
Jones said that while he plans to help re-elect President Trump, he will do so while remaining in the Democratic Party.
“I don’t plan to leave the Democratic Party because somebody’s got to be in there to hold them accountable — hold them accountable to how they are treating black people (and) root out the bigotry,” Jones said on “The Rashad Richey Morning Show.”
The former lawmaker said he is “sick and tired of me and my family being attacked and harassed by the Democrat Party for putting my country before my party,” journalist Hayley Mason reported.
Democratic leaders in two counties within Jones' district had said Monday they would censure the lawmaker over his support of Trump.
“I take pride in being an independent thinker. My first amendment right to freedom of speech is under siege,” Jones' statement continued. “I intend to help the Democratic Party get rid of its bigotry against Black people that are independent and conservative.”
BREAKING: Rep. Vernon Jones says he is resigning from his seat in the Georgia House of Representatives. He sent me this statement: pic.twitter.com/FXU2Bdzabv
— Hayley Mason (@HayleyMasonTV) April 22, 2020
Earlier today, I made the decision to not seek re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives.
— Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 22, 2020
I look forward, however, to continuing to serve my community in other ways and doing all I can to re-elect @realDonaldTrump.
We will Make America Great Again ????
In his decision to come out in support of the president, Jones pointed to Trump’s handling of the economy and low level of unemployment among African Americans (prior to the pandemic), as well as his efforts on criminal justice reform and support for historically black colleges and universities.
On Twitter, Jones said members of his party aren't even interested in hearing why he's supporting the president.
I’ve seen more Democrats attack me for my decision to endorse @realDonaldTrump than ask me why.
— Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 21, 2020
They’ve used and abused folks in my community for far too long, taking our votes for granted.
Black Americans are waking up. An uprising is near.
The Left hates me because they can’t control me.
— Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 22, 2020
They can stay mad.
While the left may try to vilify Jones, plenty of patriots have his back.
Thanks to you all, I am almost at 50,000 followers.
— Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 23, 2020
While my party may have left me, freedom-loving, country over party Americans have embraced me.
Thank you, all. Our work is only just beginning.