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Justin Pearson Launches Primary Challenge to Rep. Steve Cohen in Memphis-Based Seat

Progressive groups are investing early to challenge a longtime incumbent in a safe Memphis seat.

FILE - Tennessee state lawmaker Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, speaks with reporters after meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, April 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
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FILE - Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., speaks during a House Judiciary Committee markup, on Capitol Hill, Dec. 12, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Overview

  • Leaders We Deserve endorsed Pearson and pledged $1 million, and Justice Democrats formally backed his bid.
  • Pearson, 30, frames the race around economic populism, emphasizing District 9's high poverty, a higher minimum wage, Medicare for All, and higher taxes on the very wealthy.
  • The Memphis-based district is safely Democratic, making the primary the decisive contest for the seat.
  • Cohen, 76, said he is not worried about a challenge and has suggested he may one day endorse his successor.
  • Pearson rose to national prominence after his 2023 expulsion and reinstatement over a gun-control protest and is touted by backers for helping block the Byhalia Connection pipeline.