Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has informed Democratic representatives that their grossly unprofessional and disruptive behavior in protesting redistricting has gotten them canned from committees.. And yes, I am enjoying this hugely. Break out the popcorn and confetti.
Sean Davis, CEO of The Federalist, shared the notice from Speaker Sexton to Democrat Leader Karen Camper on May 12. As you can see below, Sexton strongly objected to such ridiculous stunts as instigating disruptions of the legislative process using paid protestors, disrespecting colleagues, and blocking aisles on the House floor. Therefore, Sexton warned, "Members of the Democratic Caucus will receive individual letters removing them from all standing committees and subcommittees of the House, except where membership is required pursuant to Rule 65 of the House Rules."
BREAKING: Notice has just been given to Democrats in the Tennessee House that all members of the Democrat Caucus are being removed from all standing committees and subcommittees as a result of their behavior in the statehouse during the redistricting debates last week, which… pic.twitter.com/ZhJpMiO7RQ
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) May 12, 2026
This Rule 65, mentioned in Sexton's notification, mandates members of the Minority Caucus, which in this case is the Democrats, to serve on the Committee of Calendar and Rules and the Government Operations Committee. Aside from that, it appears Sexton can boot Dems from all other standing committees and subcommittees of the Tennessee House.
And there's very good reason for Sexton to do so. Below are just a few samples of how the Democrats not only made spectacles of themselves in the Tennessee House but also actively disrupted official proceedings:
WATCH: Protesters have complete meltdown after Tennessee passes new Congressional map eliminating the state’s only Democrat District. pic.twitter.com/pzjrWHRO1t
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 7, 2026
🚨 UPDATE: Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has officially removed Democratic lawmakers from House standing committees and subcommittees following disruptions during the special session on congressional redistricting.
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) May 12, 2026
Sexton accused Democrats of blocking aisles, linking… pic.twitter.com/JXqtwlzkvL
Read Also: Supreme Court Rules Against Race-Based Alabama District
WATCH: Tennessee State Rep. Todd Warner sent Democrats into a full on FRENZY after strutting into the special session wearing a Trump 2024 flag as a cape — Republicans passed the redistricting plan that would secure a 9-0 GOP House map.
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) May 7, 2026
Todd Warner wrote on 𝕏: “Wore my Trump… pic.twitter.com/z6ks7KFx53
It's so rare to see Republican representatives showing guts and giving Democrats a taste of their own medicine that it's particularly enjoyable when it happens. Democrats are furious that the Tennessee GOP, in line with new U.S. Supreme Court rulings against race-based gerrymandering, redistricted out the state's black-majority district. Dems are furious at losing the congressional seat and consequently engaged in their usual riotous behavior. But this time, it backfired.
AOC on the new Tennessee Congressional map which would eliminate the last Democrat seat:
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 11, 2026
“States like Tennessee want to wipe out every Black Representative”
The current Democrat Rep is a White guy and his Republican opponent is a Black woman.
Can’t make this up pic.twitter.com/ZDWojmaHCC
Democrats believe they should be able to break all the rules and aggressively harass their opponents to any degree without any repercussions. That's why when they actually have to face the results of their disgusting behavior, they are stunned when Republicans do not act as doormats. The Democrats lost this round of the redistricting war, and they took it on the chin.
