Democratic state lawmaker in Georgia endorses Trump

A polarizing Democratic state lawmaker in Georgia broke party ranks on Tuesday to endorse President Donald Trump’s reelection.

State Rep. Vern Jones, who represents portions of metro Atlanta’s DeKalb and Rockdale counties, told Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he’s supporting Trump because of Republican president’s handling of ecomy and his criminal justice reform efforts.

“re are a lot of African Americans who clearly see and appreciate he’s doing something that’s never been done before,” Jones told newspaper.

Jones previously served as DeKalb County’s CEO and is stranger to controversy. He weared allegations of ft as county’s chief executive, has often clashed with his fellow Democrats on policy issues and was accused last month of hurling transphobic comments at a local official.

Jones’ endorsement of Trump was quickly blasted by or Georgia Democrats. State Sen. Nikema Williams, chair of Democratic Party of Georgia, issued a statement calling Jones an “embarrassment” and said he “does t stand for our values.”

Jones did t immediately return phone and email messs seeking comment. Community activist Rhonda Taylor is challenging Jones in state’s Democratic primary, which is scheduled for June 9.

(Im Credit: AP)