Democrat stepping down after anger at his support for Trump

‘I have left the plantation’

A Democratic politician has announced he is stepping down from a state assembly after facing a fierce backlash over his endorsement of Donald Trump.

Vernon Jones, a state representative in Georgia, announced his resignation in a statement released to Atlanta station CBS 46.

“Turn the lights off, I have left the plantation. Someone else can occupy that suite,” the statement read.

“Therefore, I intend not to complete my term effective April 22, 2020. However, I will remain woke and vigilant in educating and fighting for my people.”

Mr Jones revealed he is stepping down because he has grown tired of receiving criticism for his political beliefs.

“I’m sick and tired of me and my family being attacked and harassed by the Democrat Party for putting my country before my party. I take pride in being an independent thinker,” he said.

“My first amendment right to freedom of speech is under siege,” Mr Jones added.

On Wednesday, speaking to the Rashad Richey Morning Show, on Atlanta radio station WAOK, the 59-year-old said that he will not leave the Democratic party, despite his resignation as a congressman.

“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, root out the bigotry,” he said.

Last week, Mr Jones endorsed Mr Trump for reelection, and reasoned that he doesn’t think the presumptive Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, will be positive for the black community.

“I endorsed the white guy (Donald J Trump) that let blacks out of jail, and they endorsed the white guy (Joe Biden) that put blacks in jail,” he said.

Mr Jones added: “The results speak for themselves. With his hand on the wheel, the stock market broke record after record, wages and job growth exploded and unemployment dropped down to record lows.

“Given his track record, President Trump is best prepared to lead our economy back to record highs after we beat the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Earlier this week, the The Congressional Black Caucus PAC endorsed Joe Biden for president.

The group’s chairman, Democratic congressman Gregory Meeks, noted: “There’s no question in my mind that there needs to be an agenda that pushes forward black America.”

He added that Mr Biden is the leader to do that, as “he has a vision to bring us together and have an agenda of significant importance for the black community.”