# CJ Pearson

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**Coreco Ja'Quan Pearson** (born July 31, 2002) is an American [conservative](/source/Conservatism_in_the_United_States) activist and media personality who serves as co-chair of the [Republican National Committee](/source/Republican_National_Committee) Youth Advisory Council since 2022.

From [Georgia](/source/Georgia_(U.S._state)), Pearson developed an early interest in politics and began blogging in support of local conservative politicians at age eight. He gained national attention in 2015 after uploading a video to [YouTube](/source/YouTube) defending comments made by former Mayor [Rudy Giuliani](/source/Rudy_Giuliani) about President [Barack Obama](/source/Barack_Obama) while also criticizing the president. After this, Pearson became further involved in [Republican](/source/Republican_Party_(United_States)) politics. He campaigned for several Republican politicians during the [2016 presidential election](/source/2016_United_States_presidential_election), founded a non-profit organization, filed a lawsuit in an [attempt to overturn](/source/Attempts_to_overturn_the_2020_United_States_presidential_election) the [2020 presidential election](/source/2020_United_States_presidential_election), and ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the [Georgia House of Representatives](/source/Georgia_House_of_Representatives).

## Early life

Coreco Ja'Quan Pearson was born on July 31, 2002.[1] His mother was a high school [senior](/source/Twelfth_grade) at the time of his birth, and he was raised by his grandparents, retired [sergeant major](/source/Sergeant_major) Willie Pearson and former educator Robin Pearson.[a] Pearson first became interested in politics when his second grade class held a [mock presidential election](/source/Mock_election#Mock_election_for_educational_purposes) representing that of the [2008 United States presidential election](/source/2008_United_States_presidential_election). He voted for Republican nominee [John McCain](/source/John_McCain) in the mock election because he was inspired by McCain's military service.[2] Pearson began an active role in politics at age eight by [blogging](/source/Blogging) in support of different [conservative](/source/Conservatism_in_the_United_States) politicians in [Georgia](/source/Georgia_(U.S._state)) and participated in political campaigning in the [2014 midterm elections](/source/2014_United_States_elections).[3] In November 2014, he founded a political group named Young Georgians in Government to involve young people in politics.[4] Pearson and his group advocated for a [constitutional amendment](/source/Constitutional_amendment) to the [Georgia constitution](/source/Constitution_of_Georgia_(U.S._state)) that would lower the [minimum age of candidacy](/source/Age_of_candidacy_laws_in_the_United_States#Georgia) for public office in the state to 18 for the [Georgia House of Representatives](/source/Georgia_House_of_Representatives) and 21 for the [Georgia Senate](/source/Georgia_State_Senate).[5] Pearson attended [Evans High School](/source/Evans_High_School_(Georgia)), graduating in 2020.[6][7]

## Career

### YouTube video and 2016 presidential election (2015–2016)

In February 2015, Pearson received national media attention after he created a [YouTube](/source/YouTube) channel on February 21 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](/source/Rudy_Giuliani) about the comments Giuliani had made saying about President [Barack Obama](/source/Barack_Obama): "I do not believe that the president loves America."[8][9] Pearson also criticized Obama for his stance on [Islamic extremism](/source/Islamic_extremism) and questioned the president's devotion to the country.[8][10]

During the [2016 presidential election](/source/2016_United_States_presidential_elections), Pearson campaigned for several different Republican presidential candidates. In April 2015, he campaigned for [Kentucky](/source/Kentucky) senator [Rand Paul](/source/Rand_Paul)'s [presidential campaign](/source/Rand_Paul_2016_presidential_campaign).[11] In September 2015, Pearson left Paul's campaign and joined [Texas](/source/Texas) senator [Ted Cruz](/source/Ted_Cruz)'s [presidential campaign](/source/Ted_Cruz_2016_presidential_campaign) following Pearson's earlier endorsement of Cruz in July.[12] Cruz named Pearson as national chairman of Teens for Ted.[13] Pearson, after two months, left the Cruz campaign and said that he disavowed [conservatism](/source/Conservatism_in_the_United_States).[14] He subsequently endorsed Vermont senator [Bernie Sanders](/source/Bernie_Sanders) in December 2015.[15][16] Pearson again switched his endorsement to Republican nominee [Donald Trump](/source/Donald_Trump) and joined his [presidential campaign](/source/Donald_Trump_2016_presidential_campaign) as the national chairman of Teens for Trump.[17]

While working for the Cruz presidential campaign, Pearson faced controversy when on September 23, 2015, when he falsely claimed that he was blocked from President Obama's official presidential account on [Twitter](/source/Twitter), due to comments he made criticizing Obama for inviting high school student Ahmed Mohamed to the [White House](/source/White_House) after [Mohamed was suspended](/source/Ahmed_Mohamed_clock_incident) for bringing an invention to school.[18][19] 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.[20] Pearson denounced the claim made by the White House, stated that they were lying about him.[18] He later said he made a mistake.[21]

In May 2016, while attending Columbia Middle School, Pearson faced disciplinary action for allegedly bullying two white female students in an Instagram group chat.[22] He claimed his actions were retaliation for several comments, some of which were sexual in nature, and that the two girls were "the real bullies" and urged his supporters to contact the Columbia County School District on his behalf.[22] Pearson faced suspension for the remainder of the school year after attending a disciplinary hearing.[23]

### 2020 presidential election

In June 2020, Pearson helped raise $160,000 for black-owned businesses that were damaged or destroyed during the [protests](/source/George_Floyd_protests) in [Metro Atlanta](/source/Metro_Atlanta) as the result of the [murder of George Floyd](/source/Murder_of_George_Floyd).[24] In July, he founded a conservative non-profit organization called Free Thinker Project with plans to set up local chapters similar to [Turning Point USA](/source/Turning_Point_USA). He also travelled across the country campaigning for President [Donald Trump](/source/Donald_Trump)'s reelection [campaign](/source/2020_Donald_Trump_presidential_campaign) during the [2020 presidential election](/source/2020_United_States_presidential_election).[25]

Pearson was nominated by the [Republican Party](/source/Republican_Party_(United_States)) to serve as an [elector](/source/United_States_Electoral_College) in the [2020 presidential election in Georgia](/source/2020_United_States_presidential_election_in_Georgia).[26] However, it was unclear whether he would have served as an elector if President Trump won; *[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution](/source/The_Atlanta_Journal-Constitution)* reported that he did not serve as an elector because his residence was in [Alabama](/source/Alabama) while studying at the [University of Alabama](/source/University_of_Alabama), and a list published by [States Newsroom](/source/States_Newsroom) names him as one of Trump's [fake electors](/source/Trump_fake_electors_plot) following his election loss to President-elect [Joe Biden](/source/Joe_Biden).[27][28][29] Federal investigators announced they were interviewing Georgia Republicans who refused to serve as fake electors and contacted Pearson who said he would cooperate.[27]

Following Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election, Pearson promoted false claims of fraud in the election in an [attempt to overturn the election results](/source/Attempts_to_overturn_the_2020_United_States_presidential_election).[30][31][32] In late November, Pearson–represented by former Trump attorney [Sidney Powell](/source/Sidney_Powell)–sued Georgia Governor [Brian Kemp](/source/Brian_Kemp) and others in *[Pearson v. Kemp](/source/Post-election_lawsuits_related_to_the_2020_U.S._presidential_election_from_Georgia#Pearson_v._Kemp)*, a lawsuit filed in the [United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia](/source/United_States_District_Court_for_the_Northern_District_of_Georgia) that attempted to overturn Biden's victory in the state.[32] In December 2020, the court dismissed the suit.[33]

### Political advisory and Georgia House campaign (2022–present)

Pearson served as the campaign manager for [Vernon Jones](/source/Vernon_Jones)'s [2022 Georgia gubernatorial](/source/2022_Georgia_gubernatorial_election) campaign.[34] Pearson attended the [University of Alabama](/source/University_of_Alabama) and served in the [student government](/source/Student_governments_in_the_United_States) before [dropping out](/source/Dropping_out) to relocate to [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles) in October 2022 after accepting a job with [PragerU](/source/PragerU).[35][36] In November, [Republican National Committee](/source/Republican_National_Committee) chair [Ronna McDaniel](/source/Ronna_McDaniel) announced the formation of the Republican Party Advisory Council and Pearson became a co-chair of the youth council with various other members, including [Brilyn Hollyhand](/source/Brilyn_Hollyhand).[b]

Pearson announced in January 2024 his candidacy in a [special election](/source/Special_election) for the [Georgia House of Representatives](/source/Georgia_House_of_Representatives)'s [125th district](/source/Georgia's_125th_House_of_Representatives_district) to finish the term of [Barry Fleming](/source/Barry_Fleming), who resigned to become a [state superior court](/source/Georgia_Superior_Courts) judge.[37] His residency in the district was challenged by a voter who believed he may not have been qualified to run.[38] Pearson had been a registered voter in [Columbia County, Georgia](/source/Columbia_County,_Georgia) since March 2020, although he did not vote in any jurisdiction until 2024 and maintained other residences, including in Columbia County, [Tuscaloosa, Alabama](/source/Tuscaloosa,_Alabama), and [North Hollywood](/source/North_Hollywood,_Los_Angeles), California.[39] According to the [Alabama Secretary of State](/source/Alabama_Secretary_of_State), he had an inactive voter registration record in the state and previously filed to run for a seat in the Tuscaloosa city council in January 2021 despite being apparently registered to vote in Georgia.[39] Pearson won the residency challenge on February 9.[40] The election was held on February 13 in which Pearson came in second place after [Gary Richardson](/source/Gary_Richardson_(Georgia_politician)).[41] Since both candidates did not receive a majority vote they appeared again in a [runoff election](/source/Runoff_election) on March 12.[42] Pearson was defeated by Richardson in the runoff for the partial-term and both candidates were scheduled to appear again in the May Republican primary to seek a full two-year term.[43] Pearson later withdrew from the race to focus on former President [Donald Trump](/source/Donald_Trump)'s [presidential campaign](/source/Donald_Trump_2024_presidential_campaign) in the [2024 presidential election](/source/2024_United_States_presidential_election).[44]

In January 2025, Pearson was involved in a public dispute with [*New York*](/source/New_York_(magazine)) magazine regarding its cover story, "The Cruel Kids Table," which he said inaccurately depicted young supporters of President Trump at a Washington nightclub on the eve of [Trump's inauguration](/source/Second_inauguration_of_Donald_Trump) as attending a whites-only event.[45] Pearson, who co-hosted the event, criticised the publication for cropping him out of the cover photo and minimizing black attendees who are Trump supporters.[46] *New York* defended the article, saying, "We believe both the cover and story provide an accurate impression of the weekend."[47] In February, Pearson signed with [United Talent Agency](/source/United_Talent_Agency) as part of its move to increase the number of Washington insiders it represents.[48] In July, he was named in [*Time's*](/source/Time_(magazine)) TIME100 Creators list.[49] Since Trump's second inauguration, Pearson has engaged in outreach efforts aimed at young and Black voters in support of the [MAGA movement](/source/MAGA_movement) and publicly commented on a potential future candidacy.[50]

## Political views

In 2015, Pearson described himself as a [fiscal conservative](/source/Fiscal_conservatism) and [social liberal](/source/Cultural_liberalism) with [libertarian](/source/Libertarianism_in_the_United_States) leanings.[51] He supports [same-sex marriage](/source/Same-sex_marriage_in_the_United_States) and said that younger people have "generally been taught to treat everyone equally, no matter who you are."[52] During the [2016 United States presidential election](/source/2016_United_States_presidential_election), Pearson campaigned for several Republican candidates. Before the [Republican primaries](/source/2016_Republican_Party_presidential_primaries), he endorsed [Rand Paul](/source/Rand_Paul) and later [Ted Cruz](/source/Ted_Cruz).[11][12] In November 2015, Pearson said that he "renounced conservatism" and was questioning the ideology of the [Republican Party](/source/Republican_Party_(United_States)), stating that "My views on the issues aren't going to be dictated by one political platform or another."[14] He endorsed [Bernie Sanders](/source/Bernie_Sanders), who was seeking the [Democratic nomination](/source/2016_Democratic_Party_presidential_primaries), in December and later wrote that the prospect of a [Trump presidency](/source/First_presidency_of_Donald_Trump) "scares the crap out of me."[53] He endorsed Trump in August 2016.[17]

During the [2020 presidential election](/source/2020_United_States_presidential_election), Pearson [campaigned](/source/2020_Donald_Trump_presidential_campaign) for Trump's reelection.[25] Following Trump's loss to President-elect [Joe Biden](/source/Joe_Biden), Pearson promoted the [false claim that there was fraud](/source/False_claims_of_fraud_in_the_2020_presidential_election) in the election and spoke at a [Stop the Steal](/source/Stop_the_Steal) rally.[30][31] During his bid for the [Georgia House of Representatives](/source/Georgia_House_of_Representatives), Pearson expressed support for abolishing [state income tax](/source/State_income_tax) in Georgia and opposed [critical race theory](/source/Critical_race_theory).[54] He also opposed [sanctuary state](/source/Sanctuary_state) and [catch and release](/source/Catch_and_release_(immigration)) immigration policies in Georgia and is opposed to [abortion](/source/Abortion_in_the_United_States).[55]

## Electoral history

Sources:[56][57]

## See also

- [Black conservatism in the United States](/source/Black_conservatism_in_the_United_States)
- [Jonathan Krohn](/source/Jonathan_Krohn) – as a minor was also notable as a conservative activist

## Notes

1. Several sources described Willie and Robin Pearson as his parents;[52][3] however, a subsequent article from *[Tampa Bay Times](/source/Tampa_Bay_Times)* identify the couple as Pearson's grandparents.[58]

1. [LAist](/source/LAist) identifies Pearson and Hollyhand as co-chairs of the Youth Advisory Council and cite a press release from the Republican National Committee announcing the formation of the council in November 2022.[59][60]

## References

1. Pearson, CJ (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!"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190731164024/https://twitter.com/thecjpearson/status/1156560055808012288). No. 1156560055808012288. Archived from the original on 31 July 2019.

1. ["Teen Conservative Commentator Weighs in on Race to the White House"](https://cbn.com/news/politics/teen-conservative-commentator-weighs-race-white-house). *CBN News*. 2 August 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251227122537/https://cbn.com/news/politics/teen-conservative-commentator-weighs-race-white-house) 27 December 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 December 2025.

1. Fouriezos, Nick. ["A conservative whiz kid"](https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/01/13/ozy-coreco-pearson-jr/21653911/). *USA Today*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221108225711/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/01/13/ozy-coreco-pearson-jr/21653911/) 8 November 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 December 2025.

1. Suggs, Ernie (23 February 2015). ["12-year-old launched to fame by Obama diss"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160308053548/https://www.ajc.com/news/news/12-year-old-launched-to-fame-by-obama-diss/nkHSY/). *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*. Archived from [the original](https://www.ajc.com/news/news/12-year-old-launched-to-fame-by-obama-diss/nkHSY/) on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2025.

1. Jones, Walter C. (12 January 2015). ["Constitutional amendments would lower age minimum for lawmakers"](https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2015/01/13/constitutional-amendments-would-lower-age-minimum-lawmakers/13600708007/). *Savannah Morning News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251228110842/https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2015/01/13/constitutional-amendments-would-lower-age-minimum-lawmakers/13600708007/) 28 December 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Pearson, CJ (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!"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200530181828/https://twitter.com/thecjpearson/status/1266767964520546304). No. 1266767964520546304. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020.

1. Evans High School (June 18, 2020). "Class of 2020 CJ Pearson making a difference!". No. 1273724859047165960. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200618212436/https://twitter.com/evans_high/status/1273724859047165960) June 18, 2020 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Chasmar, Jessica (23 February 2015). ["12-year-old conservative releases viral clip: ‘President Obama, you don’t love America’"](http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/feb/23/cj-pearson-12-releases-viral-clip-president-obama-/). *The Washington Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170825021308/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/feb/23/cj-pearson-12-releases-viral-clip-president-obama-/) 25 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Suhay, Lisa (23 February 2015). ["A 12-year-old Georgia boy's video question's Obama's patriotism"](https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/Decoder/2015/0223/A-12-year-old-Georgia-boy-s-video-question-s-Obama-s-patriotism). *The Christian Science Monitor*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201118061203/https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/Decoder/2015/0223/A-12-year-old-Georgia-boy-s-video-question-s-Obama-s-patriotism) 18 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Galloway, Jim (1 March 2015). ["12-year-old’s Facebook page locked after YouTube clip questions President Barack Obama’s love of country"](https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/year-old-facebook-page-locked-after-youtube-clip-questions-president-barack-obama-love-country/YMoMhuKeqFDlUXSiIOKjUJ/). *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251228115822/https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/year-old-facebook-page-locked-after-youtube-clip-questions-president-barack-obama-love-country/YMoMhuKeqFDlUXSiIOKjUJ/) 28 December 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Campbell, Colin (19 June 2015). ["12-year-old YouTube star: Young people love Rand Paul because he is "a maverick""](https://www.businessinsider.com/cj-pearson-says-millennials-think-about-rand-paul-2015-6). *Business Insider*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150619000502/https://www.businessinsider.com/cj-pearson-says-millennials-think-about-rand-paul-2015-6) 19 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Svitek, Patrick (18 September 2015). ["As Race for Youth Vote Heats Up, Cruz Looks to Plant His Flag"](https://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/18/race-youth-vote-heats-cruz-makes-his-play/). *The Texas Tribune*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150925205129/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/18/race-youth-vote-heats-cruz-makes-his-play/) 25 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. ["Cruz names CJ Pearson as National Chairman of "Teens for Ted""](https://web.archive.org/web/20151010012840/https://www.tedcruz.org/news/cruz-names-cj-pearson-as-national-chairman-of-teens-for-ted/). *Cruz for President*. Archived from [the original](https://www.tedcruz.org/news/cruz-names-cj-pearson-as-national-chairman-of-teens-for-ted/) on 10 October 2015. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Kopan, Tal (27 November 2015). ["Viral teen YouTube star renounces conservatism"](https://edition.cnn.com/2015/11/27/politics/cj-pearson-conservative-teen-renounces-republicans/index.html). *CNN*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151201022033/https://edition.cnn.com/2015/11/27/politics/cj-pearson-conservative-teen-renounces-republicans/index.html) 1 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Chasmar, Jessica (9 December 2015). ["C.J. Pearson, ex-conservative poster child, endorses Bernie Sanders"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111449/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/dec/9/cj-pearson-ex-conservative-poster-child-endorses-b/). *The Washington Times*. Archived from [the original](http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/dec/9/cj-pearson-ex-conservative-poster-child-endorses-b/) on 9 April 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Hensch, Mark (9 December 2015). ["Former conservative teen YouTube star backs Sanders"](https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/262637-teen-youtube-star-trades-cruz-for-sanders/). *The Hill*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151210135123/https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/262637-teen-youtube-star-trades-cruz-for-sanders/) 10 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Pearson, CJ (30 August 2016). ["I'm a Young Black Man and I Support Donald Trump"](https://time.com/4470565/teens-for-trump/). *Time*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160830145623/https://time.com/4470565/teens-for-trump/) 30 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Weigel, David (25 September 2015). ["Why did a 13-year-old conservative star apparently hoax the White House?"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/09/25/why-did-a-13-year-old-conservative-star-apparently-hoax-the-white-house/). *The Washington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151204065244/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/09/25/why-did-a-13-year-old-conservative-star-apparently-hoax-the-white-house/) 4 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Wolfe, Julie & Leslie, Jennifer (18 September 2015). ["Ga. teen blasts White House invite of Ahmed Mohamed"](https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/18/ga-teen-blasts-white-house-invite-ahmed-mohamed/72385964/). *USA Today*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201108142532/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/18/ga-teen-blasts-white-house-invite-ahmed-mohamed/72385964/) 8 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. King, Michael (24 September 2015). ["White House denies blocking teen critic on Twitter"](https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/09/24/white-house-conservative-teen-critic-blocked-twitter/72726004/). *USA Today*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241207202544/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/09/24/white-house-conservative-teen-critic-blocked-twitter/72726004/) 7 December 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Scott, Eugene (9 December 2015). ["Right to left: Ex-conservative teen YouTube star backs Sanders"](https://edition.cnn.com/2015/12/09/politics/cj-pearson-youtube-endorses-bernie-sanders#:~:text=Police%20brutality%20is%20real.,admits%20he%20made%20a%20mistake.). *CNN*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151214134610/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/12/09/politics/cj-pearson-youtube-endorses-bernie-sanders/) 14 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. McCord, Susan (5 May 2016). ["Teen political blogger C.J. Pearson suspended for cyberbullying"](https://www.augustachronicle.com/article/20160505/NEWS/305059911). *The Augusta Chronicle*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201214191113/https://www.augustachronicle.com/article/20160505/NEWS/305059911) 14 December 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. McCord, Susan (12 May 2016). ["Teen blogger suspended through end of school year"](https://www.augustachronicle.com/article/20160512/NEWS/305129899). *The Augusta Chronicle*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201031143036/https://www.augustachronicle.com/article/20160512/NEWS/305129899) 31 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

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1. Bond, Paul (15 October 2020). ["Meet the Young, Black Conservatives Who Are Stumping for Trump—Despite the Backlash"](https://www.newsweek.com/meet-young-black-conservatives-who-are-stumping-trumpdespite-backlash-1538815). *Newsweek*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201015113433/https://www.newsweek.com/meet-young-black-conservatives-who-are-stumping-trumpdespite-backlash-1538815) 15 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Garrison, Greg (2 November 2020). ["Black Republican freshman at Bama named to Electoral College"](https://www.al.com/news/2020/11/black-republican-freshman-at-bama-named-to-electoral-college.html). *AL.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201102154159/https://www.al.com/news/2020/11/black-republican-freshman-at-bama-named-to-electoral-college.html) 2 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Bluestein, Greg (27 May 2022). ["Feds interview Georgia Republicans who refused to serve as ‘fake’ electors"](https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/feds-interview-georgia-republicans-who-refused-to-serve-as-fake-electors/VRMWLVJYDFGYHNQPIOFZNPFN2A/). *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220528071714/https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/feds-interview-georgia-republicans-who-refused-to-serve-as-fake-electors/VRMWLVJYDFGYHNQPIOFZNPFN2A/) 28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

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1. Fletcher, Carlton (30 June 2022). ["Full list of Trump’s ‘alternate electors’ revealed"](https://albanyherald.com/news/full-list-of-trumps-alternate-electors-revealed/). *The Albany Herald*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251228143818/https://albanyherald.com/news/full-list-of-trumps-alternate-electors-revealed/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=4LDsswSk06ftdB0wxeOwiQ2cac06sW.lg_rZkuWPSdQ-1766932698-1.0.1.1-cCvJT8s17YYPNzFClWICyhDEBOwK9mCx_0TVyqFw4jM) 28 December 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Pearce, Matt; Finnegan, Michael; Beason, Tyrone (5 November 2020). ["As America waits, demonstrators demand to count (or stop counting) the votes"](https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-11-05/la-na-pol-2020-election-protests). *The Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201106060137/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-11-05/la-na-pol-2020-election-protests) 6 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Garrison, Greg (2 December 2020). ["Bama freshman CJ Pearson speaks at pro-Trump ‘Stop the Steal’ rally"](https://www.al.com/news/2020/12/bama-student-cj-pearson-speaks-at-stop-the-steal-rally.html). *AL.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201202223614/https://www.al.com/news/2020/12/bama-student-cj-pearson-speaks-at-stop-the-steal-rally.html) 2 December 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Garrison, Greg (26 November 2020). ["Georgia election fraud suit named for Bama student"](https://www.al.com/news/2020/11/georgia-election-fraud-suit-named-for-bama-student.html). *AL.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201126162500/https://www.al.com/news/2020/11/georgia-election-fraud-suit-named-for-bama-student.html) 26 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Durkee, Alison (7 December 2020). ["Sidney Powell’s Georgia Lawsuit Gets Thrown Out In Court"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2020/12/07/sidney-powell-georgia-lawsuit-gets-thrown-out-in-court/?sh=7722b9e35ff7). *Forbes*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201208200618/https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2020/12/08/the-key-to-unlocking-resilience-in-2021/?sh=6ac6cdee101b) 8 December 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Reid, Sytonia (11 June 2021). ["Marc Lamont Hill drags CJ Pearson following debate on critical race theory"](https://www.yahoo.com/news/marc-lamont-hill-drags-cj-212500627.html). *Yahoo! News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210613213823/https://www.yahoo.com/news/marc-lamont-hill-drags-cj-212500627.html) 13 June 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Solino, Kayla (24 October 2022). ["CJ Pearson resigns from SGA; plans move to Los Angeles"](https://thecrimsonwhite.com/101952/news/cj-pearson-resigns-from-sga-plans-move-to-los-angeles/). *The Crimson White*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221025151038/https://thecrimsonwhite.com/101952/news/cj-pearson-resigns-from-sga-plans-move-to-los-angeles/) 25 October 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 December 2025.

1. Graham, Jennifer (31 December 2023). ["CJ Pearson is back and wants to be a ‘megaphone for conservative values’"](https://www.deseret.com/2023/12/31/23993831/cj-pearson-prager-u-barack-obama/). *Deseret News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240305140958/https://www.deseret.com/2023/12/31/23993831/cj-pearson-prager-u-barack-obama/) 5 March 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Hotchkiss, Joe (10 January 2024). ["Conservative activist C.J. Pearson enters race for Georgia House District 125 seat"](https://eu.augustachronicle.com/story/news/politics/state/2024/01/10/conservative-activist-c-j-pearson-to-run-for-house-district-125-seat-georgia-fox-news-prageru/72177768007/). *The Augusta Chronicle*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240110194121/https://eu.augustachronicle.com/story/news/politics/state/2024/01/10/conservative-activist-c-j-pearson-to-run-for-house-district-125-seat-georgia-fox-news-prageru/72177768007/) 10 January 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Hudson, Scott (6 February 2024). ["Hearing to review Pearson residency held"](https://theaugustapress.com/hearing-to-review-pearson-residency-held/). *The Augusta Press*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250123084017/https://theaugustapress.com/hearing-to-review-pearson-residency-held/) 23 January 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Hudson, Scott (25 January 2024). ["Residency challenged for district 125 candidate C.J. Pearson"](https://theaugustapress.com/residency-challenged-for-district-125-candidate-c-j-pearson/). *The Augusta Press*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240215000901/https://theaugustapress.com/residency-challenged-for-district-125-candidate-c-j-pearson/) 15 February 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. ["ELECTION 2024: Candidate in special election for House District 125 seat prevails in residency challenge"](https://administrativelawreport.com/candidate-in-special-election-for-house-district-125-seat-prevails-in-residency-challenge/). State of Georgia. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240601071241/https://administrativelawreport.com/candidate-in-special-election-for-house-district-125-seat-prevails-in-residency-challenge/) 1 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Niesse, Mark (14 February 2024). ["Bearden wins Georgia Senate race; runoff set for state House"](https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-special-elections-bearden-wins-senate-seat-house-runoff-set/SBSHEDLVARA4LDAAYRSJGHFYTA/). *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240316170437/https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-special-elections-bearden-wins-senate-seat-house-runoff-set/SBSHEDLVARA4LDAAYRSJGHFYTA/) 16 March 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. ["Gary Richardson, CJ Pearson head to run-off for Georgia House District 125 seat"](https://www.wrdw.com/2024/02/14/gary-richardson-cj-pearson-head-run-off-georgia-house-district-125-seat/). *WRDW*. 13 February 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240222205620/https://www.wrdw.com/2024/02/14/gary-richardson-cj-pearson-head-run-off-georgia-house-district-125-seat/) 22 February 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Niesse, Mark (13 March 2024). ["Richardson wins Georgia House runoff over MAGA hopeful Pearson"](https://www.ajc.com/politics/republican-gary-richardson-wins-augusta-area-georgia-house-seat/6VNWG3TFKNBKBGCGTU72NWJWDA/). *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240330142749/https://www.ajc.com/politics/republican-gary-richardson-wins-augusta-area-georgia-house-seat/6VNWG3TFKNBKBGCGTU72NWJWDA/) 30 March 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Clay, Karlton (20 March 2024). ["GA House candidate CJ Pearson announces forgoing running in May Primary Election, focusing on working on Trump’s election"](https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/ga-house-candidate-cj-pearson-announces-forgoing-running-in-may-primary-election-focusing-on-working-on-trumps-election/). *WJBF*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240322175132/https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/ga-house-candidate-cj-pearson-announces-forgoing-running-in-may-primary-election-focusing-on-working-on-trumps-election/) 22 March 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Burch, Sean (5 February 2025). ["Pro-Trump TikTok Party Host Threatens Legal Action Against New York Magazine"](https://www.thewrap.com/trump-tiktok-party-host-legal-action-new-york-magazine/). *TheWrap*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250206201120/https://www.thewrap.com/trump-tiktok-party-host-legal-action-new-york-magazine/) 6 February 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Gann, Heather (30 January 2025). ["Mountain Brook native gets national attention as part of young conservative ‘Cruel Kids’ Table’"](https://www.al.com/news/2025/01/mountain-brook-native-gets-national-attention-as-part-of-young-conservative-cruel-kids-table.html). *AL.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250201074525/https://www.al.com/news/2025/01/mountain-brook-native-gets-national-attention-as-part-of-young-conservative-cruel-kids-table.html) 1 February 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Dolak, Kevin (28 January 2025). ["New York Magazine Called Out For Cropping Black Partygoers Out of Image for MAGA Youth Cover Story"](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/new-york-magazine-black-partygoers-trump-inauguration-tiktok-1236120834/). *The Hollywood Reporter*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250201082902/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/new-york-magazine-black-partygoers-trump-inauguration-tiktok-1236120834/) 1 February 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Siegel, Tatiana (24 February 2025). ["UTA Signs Republican Gen Z Activist CJ Pearson (EXCLUSIVE)"](https://variety.com/2025/politics/news/uta-signs-cj-pearson-republican-national-committee-youth-advisory-council-1236318862/). *Variety*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250405105819/https://variety.com/2025/politics/news/uta-signs-cj-pearson-republican-national-committee-youth-advisory-council-1236318862/) 5 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Hotchkiss, Joe (17 July 2025). ["Time magazine names political activist from Grovetown C.J. Pearson to list of top social influencers"](https://eu.augustachronicle.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/17/grovetown-cj-pearson-named-top-online-influencer-by-time-magazine-black-conservative-republican/85245248007/). *The Augusta Chronicle*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251230085606/https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/17/grovetown-cj-pearson-named-top-online-influencer-by-time-magazine-black-conservative-republican/85245248007/?gca-cat=pp&gnt-cfr=1&gnt-djm=1) 30 December 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 30 December 2025.

1. ["Black MAGA influencer who went viral for rebuking Obama as a kid, is now working to convert Black voters to Trump"](https://thegrio.com/2025/11/19/black-maga-influencer-who-went-viral-for-rebuking-obama-as-a-kid-is-now-working-to-convert-black-voters-to-trump/). *TheGrio*. 19 November 2025. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251210095012/https://thegrio.com/2025/11/19/black-maga-influencer-who-went-viral-for-rebuking-obama-as-a-kid-is-now-working-to-convert-black-voters-to-trump/) 10 December 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 22 March 2026.

1. Zorthian, Julia (September 19, 2015). ["Meet 13-Year-Old Conservative Activist CJ Pearson"](https://time.com/4040179/cj-pearson-conservative-activist/). *TIME*. Retrieved January 22, 2017.

1. McCord, Susan (3 December 2014). ["Middle-schooler C.J. Pearson engaging the political process"](http://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/politics/government/2014/12/04/middle-schooler-cj-pearson-engaging-political-process/14387127007/). *The Augusta Chronicle*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251227114324/www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/politics/government/2014/12/04/middle-schooler-cj-pearson-engaging-political-process/14387127007/) 27 December 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 December 2025.

1. Pearson, CJ (16 December 2015). ["I’m 13 And Donald Trump Becoming President Scares The Crap Out Of Me"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151224220225/www.mtv.com/news/2688347/im-13-and-donald-trump-becoming-president-scares-the-crap-out-of-me/). *MTV*. Archived from [the original](http://www.mtv.com/news/2688347/im-13-and-donald-trump-becoming-president-scares-the-crap-out-of-me/) on 24 December 2015. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. Lee, Graham (12 February 2024). ["CJ Pearson: House District 125 Representative Candidate"](https://www.wjbf.com/news/your-local-election-hq/cj-pearson-house-district-125-representative-candidate/). *WJBF*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240301031933/https://www.wjbf.com/news/your-local-election-hq/cj-pearson-house-district-125-representative-candidate/) 1 March 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 30 December 2025.

1. Legoas, Miguel (24 January 2024). ["Conservative candidates for state House seat debate in Grovetown; economy, abortion addressed"](https://eu.augustachronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/24/georgia-representative-district-125-candidates-debate-issues-grovetown-high/72335639007/). *The Augusta Chronicle*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240124150354/https://eu.augustachronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/24/georgia-representative-district-125-candidates-debate-issues-grovetown-high/72335639007/) 24 January 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 30 December 2025.

1. ["February 13, 2024 Special Election"](https://results.sos.ga.gov/results/public/Georgia/elections/2024FebSpec). Georgia Secretary of State. Retrieved 30 December 2025.

1. ["March 12, 2024 - House District 125 Runoff"](https://results.sos.ga.gov/results/public/Georgia/elections/2024MarHD125Run). Georgia Secretary of State. Retrieved 30 December 2025.

1. Bluestein, Greg (16 October 2015). ["Meet C.J. Pearson, the conservative Georgia teen who has the GOP buzzing"](https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/meet-cj-pearson-the-conservative-georgia-teen-who-has-the-gop-buzzing/2250067/). *Tampa Bay Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240110115035/https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/meet-cj-pearson-the-conservative-georgia-teen-who-has-the-gop-buzzing/2250067/) 10 January 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 December 2025.

1. McCammon, Sarah (30 August 2023). ["These young Republicans want the GOP to do more to recruit young voters"](https://laist.com/news/npr-news/these-young-republicans-want-the-gop-to-do-more-to-recruit-young-voters). *LAist*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251229112416/https://laist.com/news/npr-news/these-young-republicans-want-the-gop-to-do-more-to-recruit-young-voters) 29 December 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

1. ["RNC Chairwoman McDaniel Announces Formation of a New Republican Party Advisory Council"](https://gop.com/press-release/rnc-chairwoman-mcdaniel-announces-formation-of-a-new-republican-party-advisory-council/). Republican National Committee. 29 November 2022. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221203053349/https://gop.com/press-release/rnc-chairwoman-mcdaniel-announces-formation-of-a-new-republican-party-advisory-council/) 3 December 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 December 2025.

## External links

- [CJ Pearson](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/coreco-pearson-447) on *[HuffPost](/source/HuffPost)*

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [CJ Pearson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CJ_Pearson) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CJ_Pearson?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.