Justin Pearson Launches Primary Challenge Against Longtime Rep. Steve Cohen

Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson is taking his fight from Nashville to Washington. The 30-year-old progressive firebrand announced Wednesday that he’s officially launching a primary challenge against Democratic incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen, setting up one of the most closely watched races in Tennessee politics.

Pearson, a member of the famed “Tennessee Three” who made national headlines after protesting on the House floor following a school shooting, enters the race backed by a network of progressive groups—including Justice Democrats and Leaders We Deserve, the organization co-founded by activist David Hogg. Leaders We Deserve has pledged to invest $1 million into Pearson’s campaign.

“For too long, our district has been told to ‘keep going’ with the same leadership and the same outcomes,” Pearson said in a statement. “Our median income in 2024 was only 65% of the national average. Poverty persists across neighborhoods, and we’ve seen significantly less federal investment compared to other communities in Tennessee.”

The Memphis area continues to wrestle with high poverty rates and rising costs of living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, household expenses in the region have surged more than 14% since 2020, driven largely by spikes in housing and food costs.

Justice Democrats said Pearson represents the kind of next-generation leadership needed to shake up Congress.

“This district does not have time to wait or keep going with the same status quo leadership that has governed for decades,” the group said in a statement.

The 9th District, which is composed of most of Shelby County and portions of Tipton County, was designated a majority minority district in 1980 and was held by Black representatives — Harold Ford Sr. and Harold Ford Jr. — until Ford Jr. ran for U.S. Senate in 2006 and Cohen was elected. Pearson’s challenge signals a brewing generational shift within the Democratic Party — and could transform Tennessee’s political landscape heading into 2026.

The primary election will be held in August, and the general election will be in November 2026.