Democratic Representative Steve Cohen from Tennessee announced on Friday that he is withdrawing from the reelection race due to the redistricting battles sweeping the country following a recent Supreme Court decision. The Republican-led redistricting effort in Tennessee reshaped Cohen’s majority-Black district to favor the GOP, part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to maintain a slim majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
Cohen, who has served his Memphis-based district for nearly two decades, is challenging the state’s redistricting plan in court. He voiced concerns that Tennessee could end up with an all-Republican congressional delegation after the next election, potentially leaving the state out of influence once Democrats regain the White House.
Justin Pearson, a Black progressive state lawmaker, had been challenging Cohen in the primary. Pearson expressed the need for new energy and voices in Congress but remains committed to running in the redrawn 9th Congressional District despite the challenges of appealing to rural, working-class, white conservatives.
Cohen vowed to continue opposing Trump, calling him a threat to democracy. He has a history of colorful outbursts in Congress, including bringing fried chicken to a hearing as a symbolic message. Memphis activists responded to the new political landscape, aiming to hold the city’s representatives accountable regardless of party affiliation.
The redrawing of congressional districts in Tennessee has sparked protests from activists, who are determined to engage with and pressure lawmakers representing the city. Critics have accused the redistricting plan of resurrecting Jim Crow laws, emphasizing the need for continued civic engagement.
Associated Press writers in Washington contributed to this report.
