Jewell Jones | |
|---|---|
 Jones in 2017 | |
| Member of theMichigan House of Representatives from the11th district | |
| In office January 1, 2017 – January 1, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Lauren Plawecki |
| Succeeded by | Veronica Paiz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1995-04-11)April 11, 1995 (age 29) Inkster, Michigan |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Inkster, Michigan |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan–Dearborn |
Jewell Jones (born April 11, 1995) is an American politician from thestate ofMichigan. He served on thecity council ofInkster, Michigan, and was elected to represent the11th district of theMichigan House of Representatives as the youngest representative in state history.[1] He is a member of theDemocratic Party.
Jones's parents involved him in his church and in volunteering from a young age. He became adeacon in his family church.[2] Jones graduated fromJohn Glenn High School inWestland, Michigan, in 2013.[3] He is a student at theUniversity of Michigan–Dearborn, where he is pursuing a Dual-Degree in Business and Political Science.[2][4] He participated in theArmy Reserve Officers' Training Corps. During his years in school, he became involved in politics, working on the political campaigns ofDavid Knezek forMichigan State Senate and Hilliard Hampton for mayor ofInkster, Michigan, in 2014. In 2015, at the age of 20, he was elected and sworn into the Inkster City Council, becoming the youngest councilperson in the city's history.[4] Jones campaigned forHillary Clinton in the 2016 election.[5]
Jones was elected to the Inkster City Council at the age of 20, becoming the youngest person to ever sit on the city council.[6][7] As an Inkster City Councilman, Jones focused on the city's education system.[2]
Following the death ofJulie Plawecki, theincumbent member of theMichigan House of Representatives for the 11th district, in 2016,Lauren Plawecki, her daughter, was the only candidate to file for theDemocratic Party nomination in thespecial election to finish her term, which she won.[8][9] However,precinct delegates selected Jones to be the Democratic Party's nominee for the 11th district in the 2016 general election.[10] He won, receiving 66% of the vote againstRepublican Party nominee Robert Pope, and became the youngest State Representative in Michigan's history.[2][6]
On May 26, 2018, Jones was pulled over for speeding, window tint, and having an obstructed license plate.[11] He was cited for driving with open intoxicants, although officers stated that Jones and all of the passengers were sober.[11][12] Hisarraignment for themisdemeanor charges was set for August 24, 2018.[11]
On April 6, 2021, Jones was arrested on charges stemming from a motor vehicle accident. Paramedics arrived first and observed a woman with her pants down, and Jones with his pants partially down.[13] When police arrived, Jones was charged with resisting and obstructing a police officer, operating a motor vehicle with high blood alcohol content, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, possession of a weapon under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving.[14] During the arrest, Jones told officers that he would call governorGretchen Whitmer, and warned the officers that he runs the state budget. Jones's attorney denied that he resisted the arrest, and said that his statements regarding the governor and the budget were made in an attempt to stop the officers from using excessive force.[15][16]
On September 15, after being arraigned, Jones was found to have attempted to smuggle a handcuff key into the jail. The key was attached to the bottom of his foot, with clear tape.[17][18]
Following his arrest, Jones was stripped of his committee assignments in September 2021.[19]
