Despite his shocking public announcement, Georgian Democrat, State Rep. Vernon Jones backtracked his statements on Thursday. In an online video, Jones said that after careful consideration and lengthy discussions with his family and friends, he had decided to withdraw his resignation, citing that he will continue to support the president and that he will “put my country before my party.” He also refused to back down saying, “I will not allow the Democrats to bully me into submission.”

Last Wednesday, Jones announced that he had stepped down from his position due to the “harassment” and “bigotry” he had received from the Democratic party over his endorsement of President Donald Trump.

In his tweet, the Democrat announced his decision not to file for re-election, promising that he will continue to serve his community in any way he can. Finally, Jones concluded that he would ensure that President Donald Trump will win his re-election bid, adding that “We will Make America Great Again.”

Jones’s decision came after a week of his endorsement to President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2020 general election. In a statement from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Democrat explained why he chose to support the president.

The state representative began by commending Trump’s handling of the economy, as well as his strong support among historically black colleges, and the president’s criminal justice initiatives. He continued to say that it is not about taking sides or “switching parties.” Instead, Jones believed that a lot of African-Americans had seen Trump’s efforts, especially to lift unemployment among black communities, which were at historic lows.

The real problem is that the state representative’s decision did not sit well with his party members, citing his refusal to support presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, who is facing allegations of sexual assault. In fact, the state representative is the first state elected Democrat to support a Republican Bid for a second term.

In another interview for the news outlet, Jones aired his grievances against his own party members. “I’m sick and tired of me and my family being attacked and harassed by the Democrat Party for putting my country before my party.” He continued to say that he takes pride in his capability to become an “independent thinker” and that “I intend to help the Democrat Party get rid of its bigotry against Black people that are independent and conservative.”

Jones concluded that “Turn the lights off, I have left the plantation,” announcing that he is allowing others to take over his position as he intended to not complete his full term. Jones’s shocking and immediate announcement had triggered a special election on his state.

After his announcement, Jones appeared on “The Rashad Richey Morning Show.” During his interview, the Democrat explained that he did not want to leave his party as it has become his role to ensure that all of his members are held accountable, specifically on how they have treated “black people.” After a fiery discussion, Jones left early, which made the host remark: “Hang up on this clown, please.”