Tennessee lawmakers speak on Democratic National Convention

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – WSMV4 spoke with some Tennessee Democratic Representatives at the convention and Mayor Freddie O’Connell.

The lawmakers said they were excited to hear about the progress made by in the last four years and plans for the future.

“We’re here in Chicago and with a very excited group of Tennessee Democrats and Democrats across the country,” Representative Caleb Hemmer said.

Rep. Hemmer said while thousands of people sat listening to speakers like President Joe Biden, he looked forward to hearing not just about future plans, but also past accomplishments made by the Democratic party.

“The many great successes that the Biden administration had done over the last 4 years and getting a good recap of that as well as passing the button and that’s what tonight is about,” Hemmer said.

Tennessee Rep. Justin Person wasn’t at the convention Monday but is slated to speak to the crowd later this week.

“I am so thankful and grateful to be representing District 86 and Shelby County in Tennessee at the Democratic National Convention, this is a historic unprecedented time, and it is an exciting time.”

As the crowd gears up to formally back Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, Pearson shared his support.

“I believe that she is the most qualified person to have ever run for president of the United States but also she is one of the most genuine, thoughtful, companionate leaders that we have in our nation,” Pearson said.

Both Pearson and Hemmer said there’s one major issue they hope a week-long conversation helps curb here in Tennessee.

“Tennessee is not the best voting state we’re actually the worst unfortunately so hopefully people can hear about the vision and the message for what the Harris Administration what’s to present for the country and hopefully that’s enough people to get out and vote,” Hemmer said.

“The most important issues for us to highlight at the DNC and that I will be highlighting with my Colleagues are the issues of gun violence prevention, environmental and climate crises and ensure that young people in our generation really show up to participate in this election,” Pearson said.

We know that Tennessee Democratic Representatives Justin Pearson, Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson will take the stage and speak on Thursday evening.

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