CJ Pearson

CJ Pearson
Pearson in 2021
Born
Coreco Ja'Quan Pearson

(2002-07-31) July 31, 2002 (age 22)
Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Alabama (dropped out)
Political partyRepublican[a]
MovementPopulism[b]
Conservatism
Websiteofficial website

Coreco Ja'Quan Pearson (born July 31, 2002) is an American conservative activist, political advisor, former political candidate and commentator.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, Pearson was raised in Grovetown. His political interest deepened aged eight, when he began blogging in support of local conservative politicians. He embarked on a career as an internet personality when, in early 2015, he uploaded a video to YouTube defending comments made by former mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani and criticism of then President Barack Obama, which quickly gained international attention. After this, he began his career as a freelance journalist and has campaigned for several Republican politicians.

Pearson was involved in the unprecedented attempt to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election. A conservative, he describes himself as an anti-establishment populist. Pearson is the executive director of Young Georgians in Government and executive director of Teens for Trump. He is also a political advisor and active in Georgia Republican politics.

In January 2024, he announced his candidacy in a special election for Georgia House of Representatives's 125th district but was later defeated.[3][4] He was set to run again for the same office in a regular election but withdrew his candidacy in March 2024.[5][6]

Early life and education

Pearson was born as Coreco Ja'Quan Pearson on July 31, 2002, in Augusta, Georgia, his parents registered Democratic.[7][8][9] In 2012, his family moved to Grovetown where Pearson attended Columbia Middle School. He was elected student body president in seventh grade, though he stepped down in order to form the Young Georgians in Government political group and participate in other political activities.[10] In 2016, he started attending Evans High School as a freshman.[11] He lives with his grandparents, Willie and Robin Pearson.[12] He graduated from Evans High School in May 2020.[13][14] Pearson would later attend the University of Alabama before dropping out in his junior year.[15]

Career

Political activism

Pearson first became interested in politics when his second grade class held a mock presidential election, representing that of the 2008 United States presidential election.[12] Pearson states that the class was instructed to research the political views of then-U.S. Senator from Illinois Barack Obama who ran as the Democratic presidential nominee (and who became the 44th U.S. president) and Senator from Arizona John McCain who ran as the Republican presidential nominee.[16] He voted for John McCain in the mock election, because he was inspired by McCain's military service, and began following political news topics.[12] Aged eight, he started blogging in support of different conservative politicians in Georgia[9] and participated in political campaigning in the 2014 United States midterm elections, conducting door-to-door and telephone surveys.[16] After the 2014 midterm elections, Pearson founded a political group named Young Georgians in Government, to involve young people in the "political process and develop solutions for government."[17]

In February 2015, Pearson received international media attention which led him to embark in his career in politics and journalism, after he created a YouTube channel on February 21, 2015, and two days later posted a video, "President Obama: Do you really love America?" in which he defended former mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani about the comments Giuliani had made criticizing then-President Barack Obama.[18] Pearson also criticized Obama, saying, "If you really did love America, you would call (Islamic State) what it really is: an assault on Christianity, an assault on America and downright hate for the American values that our country holds—freedom of speech, freedom of religion and every single thing that our country stands for."[18]

Pearson, in March 2015, began promoting his own constitutional amendment to lower the age restriction for assuming public office in Georgia to age 18 in the House and age 21 in the Senate.[19][20] He has acquired seven co-sponsors for the bill, including State Representatives Ben Harbin, Barry Fleming, and Buzz Brockway.[9]

During the 2016 United States presidential election, Pearson campaigned for several different Republican presidential candidates. In April 2015, he campaigned for United States Senator from Kentucky Rand Paul's presidential campaign and said that Paul has a "unique ability" to connect with millennials.[21] Later that year, in September 2015, Pearson left Paul's campaign and joined United States Senator from Texas Ted Cruz's presidential campaign, and Cruz named Pearson as national chairman of "Teens for Ted", with Cruz commenting “Young people are looking for someone who does more than just talk a good game. They want someone who has walked the walk.”[22][23] Pearson, after two months, left the Cruz campaign and said that he disavowed conservatism.[24] Pearson then endorsed Bernie Sanders[25][26] and then when Sanders dropped out he joined eventual President Donald Trump's presidential campaign as national chairman of Teens for Trump.[27]

In June 2020, Pearson helped raise $160,000 for black-owned businesses that were damaged or destroyed during the protests in Metro Atlanta as the result of the murder of George Floyd.[28]

In July 2020, Pearson started his own nonprofit organization called the Free Thinker Project, a 501(c)(4) group that is allowed to be more partisan than the more typical 501(c)(3), naming himself Founder and President.[29]

He was the campaign manager for Vernon Jones during his 2022 Georgia gubernatorial campaign.[30]

Attempt to overturn 2020 election results

In the 2020 United States presidential election, Pearson was nominated by the Republican Party to serve as an elector for the state of Georgia.[31] However, it is unclear whether he would have served as an elector if president Donald Trump won; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution stated that he did not serve as an elector because his residence was in Alabama while away at college while the Arizona Mirror, Pennsylvania Capital-Star and The Albany Herald list him as one of Trump's alternate electors.[32][33][34] Federal investigators announced they were investigating Georgia Republicans who refused to serve as alternative electors and contacted Pearson who said he would cooperate with investigators.[32]

After Joe Biden won the 2020 election, Pearson promoted baseless claims of fraud in the election.[35][36][37][38] In late November, Pearson—represented by right-wing lawyer and former Trump attorney Sidney Powell—sued Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and others in Pearson v. Kemp, a conspiracy-laden lawsuit filed in the federal district court in Atlanta that attempted to overturn Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. In December 2020, the court dismissed the suit.[39][40][41]

Political campaign

Pearson announced in January 2024 his candidacy in a special election for the Georgia House of Representatives's 125th district to finish the term of Barry Fleming.[42][43] His residency in the district was challenged by a voter but was dismissed by an administrative law judge.[44][45] The election was held on February 13 in which Pearson came in second place after Gary Richardson. Since both candidates did not receive a majority vote they appeared again in a runoff election on March 12.[46] Pearson was defeated by Richardson[47] and both candidates were scheduled to appear again in the May Republican primary to seek a full two-year term.[48] Pearson later withdrew from the race.[49]

Columns

Pearson's columns have appeared in outlets such as TIME, The Huffington Post, MTV News, The Daily Beast.[50]

Political views

Over the timeline of Pearson's career, he has changed political views and has changed support from candidate to candidate in the 2016 United States presidential election. Pearson, when first embarking on a political commentator career after the viral YouTube video he made in February 2015, described himself as conservative, in addition to the media.[51]

In November 2015, Pearson changed his political views, and "renounced conservatism" and was questioning the ideology of the Republican Party, stating that "My views on the issues aren't going to be dictated by one political platform or another."[2] In December 2015, Pearson endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent seeking the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.[52] Later that month, Pearson published an article for MTV criticizing Trump and his presidential campaign and saying that the prospect of a Trump presidency "scares the crap out of me."[53]

In August 2016, Pearson wrote an article for Time magazine in support of Trump, commenting that his political views had changed drastically since 2015. He said that he supported Sanders and now Trump because, in his view, their campaign platforms had a lot of similarity.[27][16] Pearson describes himself as an anti-establishment populist and is a Christian.[54][55] In 2020, Pearson became a member of the Republican Party when he registered to vote on his eighteenth birthday.[1]

Controversies

White House–Twitter

On September 23, 2015, Pearson falsely claimed that he was blocked from President Barack Obama's official presidential social media account on Twitter,[56] due to comments he made criticizing Obama for inviting Ahmed Mohamed to the White House after Mohamed was suspended for bringing an invention to school.[57] Official White House assistant press secretary Frank Benenati made a statement that no one has ever been blocked from Obama's account, with other users on Twitter challenging Beneati's statement regarding the matter.[58] Pearson denounced the claim made by the White House, stated that they were lying about him. "They lied about Benghazi," he said, "They lied about the IRS. They lie about every issue of importance to the American people."[59][56]

Alleged cyberbullying

In May 2016, Pearson faced disciplinary action for allegedly bullying two white female students in an Instagram group chat.[60] This group chat was deleted before these claims could be thoroughly verified. Pearson claims his actions were retaliation for several comments, some of which were sexual in nature, and that the two girls were "the real bullies".[60] Pearson posted a video on YouTube urging his supporters to contact the Columbia County School District on his behalf. Pearson faced suspension for the remainder of the school year after attending a disciplinary hearing.[61]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Upon his eighteenth birthday, Pearson announced on Twitter that he became a registered voter and on his official website it states that he is a Republican.[1]
  2. ^ After gaining international attention for his response to the comments made by former mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani about then President Barack Obama, Pearson identified as conservative in addition to media identifying him as such. However, on November 28, 2015, he renounced conservatism. Pearson states on his official website that he is an anti-establishment populist.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b @thecjpearson (July 31, 2020). "Just registered to vote..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  2. ^ a b Kopan, Tal (November 28, 2015). "Viral teen YouTube star renounces conservatism". CNN. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  3. ^ "tweet announcing candidacy". Twitter.
  4. ^ "Republicans' latest outreach to young, nonwhite voters just fell flat in Georgia". MSNBC. March 13, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  5. ^ "Voters choose county commissioner as new Georgia House member". AP News. March 13, 2024.
  6. ^ "GA House candidate CJ Pearson announces forgoing running in May Primary Election, focusing on working on Trump's election". WJBF. March 20, 2024. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  7. ^ "12-year-old goes viral for dissing President Obama, now wants to run for office". ABC7 Chicago. February 25, 2015.
  8. ^ @thecjpearson (July 31, 2019). "So blessed to see the age of 17. I thank God every day for the good he's done in my life and the people's he's brought into it.
    I wouldn't be where I am today without so many of you. And for each of you - even the haters (to evoke @realDonaldTrump!) - I am grateful!"     (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  9. ^ a b c Fouriezos, Nick (January 12, 2015). "A conservative whiz kid". USA Today. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  10. ^ McCord, Susan (December 7, 2014). "Middle-schooler C.J. Pearson engaging the political process". Columbia County News-Times. Archived from the original on August 24, 2017. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  11. ^ Campbell, Colin (June 18, 2015). "12-year-old YouTube star: Young people love Rand Paul because he is "a maverick"". Business Insider. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  12. ^ a b c Sylvan, Lane (September 2015). "Teenager determined to help Ted Cruz become president". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  13. ^ @thecjpearson (May 30, 2020). "I'll be walking across the stage and graduating in just a few hours!
    I'm grateful for the leadership of @BrianKempGA and local leaders that will allow us to enjoy an in-person ceremony as we prepare to embark onto our next chapters.
    Let's go!"     (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  14. ^ @evans_high (June 18, 2020). "Class of 2020 CJ Pearson making a difference!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. ^ Pearson, CJ (January 3, 2023). "Why I'm leaving college and choosing education over indoctrination". The New York Post.
  16. ^ a b c Jessup, John (August 2, 2016). "Teen Conservative Commentator Weighs in on Race to the White House". CBN News. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  17. ^ Suggs, Ernie (February 23, 2015). "12-year-old launched to fame by Obama diss". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  18. ^ a b Chasmar, Jessica (February 23, 2015). "12-year-old conservative releases viral clip: 'President Obama, you don't love America'". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  19. ^ Osborn, Scott (March 1, 2015). "Interview With CJ Pearson: A Joe For America Exclusive". JoeForAmerica.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  20. ^ "General Assembly; age requirements for members; lower". Georgia General Assembly. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  21. ^ Campbell, Colin (June 18, 2015). "12-year-old YouTube star explains what millennials think about Rand Paul". Business Insider. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  22. ^ "Cruz names CJ Pearson as national chairman of "Teens for Ted"". Cruz for President. September 8, 2015. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  23. ^ Smith, Allan (November 4, 2015). "The GOP's 13-year-old internet star ditched his favorite candidate's campaign". Business Insider. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  24. ^ Tal Kopan (November 27, 2015). "Viral teen YouTube star renounces conservatism". CNN. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  25. ^ "C.J. Pearson, ex-conservative poster child, endorses Bernie Sanders". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on April 9, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  26. ^ Hensch, Mark (December 9, 2015). "Former conservative teen YouTube star backs Sanders". TheHill. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  27. ^ a b Pearson, CJ (August 30, 2016). "I'm a Young Black Man and I Support Donald Trump". Time. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  28. ^ Holloway, Kristen. "17-year-old raises $160k to help black-owned businesses damaged in protests". WSBTV. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  29. ^ Bond, Paul (October 15, 2020). "Meet the Young, Black Conservatives Who Are Stumping for Trump—Despite the Backlash". Newsweek. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  30. ^ "Marc Lamont Hill drags CJ Pearson following debate on critical race theory". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  31. ^ "Bama student picked for Electoral College". Al.com. November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  32. ^ a b Bluestein, Greg. "Feds interview Georgia Republicans who refused to serve as 'fake' electors". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  33. ^ Lerner, Kira (June 29, 2022). "Trump's fake electors: Here's the full list". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  34. ^ Lerner, Kira. "Full list of Trump's 'alternate electors' revealed". The Albany Herald. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  35. ^ "An all-star lineup of far-right faves has latched on to 'Stop the Steal'". The Daily Dot. November 5, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  36. ^ "As America waits, demonstrators demand to count (or stop counting) the votes". Los Angeles Times. November 6, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  37. ^ "Bama freshman CJ Pearson speaks at 'Stop the Steal' rally". al. December 2, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  38. ^ "Georgia election fraud suit named for Bama student". al. November 26, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  39. ^ "Georgia election fraud suit named for Bama student". al.com. November 26, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  40. ^ "Judge dismisses Sidney Powell bid to overturn Biden win in Georgia". Washington Post. December 10, 2020.
  41. ^ Olivia Rubin; Matthew Mosk (November 30, 2020). "Former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell still pushing conspiracy-filled election lawsuits". ABC News.
  42. ^ "Gen Z conservative firebrand C.J. Pearson among 10 qualifying candidates for open Georgia legislative seats". Associated Press. January 10, 2024.
  43. ^ "Conservative activist C.J. Pearson enters race for Georgia House District 125 seat". The Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  44. ^ Hudson, Scott (February 6, 2024). "Hearing to review Pearson residency held". The Augusta Press. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  45. ^ Hudson, Scott (February 10, 2024). "Pearson wins residency challenge". The Augusta Press.
  46. ^ "Gary Richardson, CJ Pearson head to run-off for Georgia House District 125 seat". WRDW. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  47. ^ Niesse, Mark. "Richardson wins Georgia House runoff over MAGA hopeful Pearson". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  48. ^ "Columbia County election officials decline to do hand recount". WRDW. March 12, 2024.
  49. ^ Edge, Joe (March 21, 2024). "Column: C.J. Pearson moving on from the State House is the right decision". The Augusta Press.
  50. ^ "CJ Pearson: freelance journalist and political pundit". The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  51. ^ Zorthian, Julia (September 19, 2015). "Meet 13-Year-Old Conservative Activist CJ Pearson". TIME. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  52. ^ Scott, Eugene (December 9, 2015). "Right to left: Ex-conservative teen YouTube star backs Sanders". CNN. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  53. ^ Pearson, CJ (December 16, 2015). "I'm 13 And Donald Trump Becoming President Scares The Crap Out Of Me". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 19, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  54. ^ "Political views of CJ Pearson". cjpearson.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  55. ^ Pearson, CJ (October 2, 2015). "#YesImAChristian and I have no apologies". YouTube. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  56. ^ a b Weigel, David (September 25, 2015). "Why did a 13-year-old conservative star apparently hoax the White House?". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  57. ^ Leslie, Jennifer; Wolfe, Julie (September 18, 2015). "Ga. teen blasts White House invite of Ahmed Mohamed". USA Today. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  58. ^ King, Michael (September 24, 2015). "White House denies blocking teen critic on Twitter". USA Today. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  59. ^ Pearson, CJ (September 23, 2015). "My response to the White House" (video). Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  60. ^ a b McCord, Susan. "Teen political blogger C.J. Pearson suspended for cyberbullying". The Augusta Chronicle.
  61. ^ McCord, Susan. "Teen blogger suspended through end of school year". The Augusta Chronicle.