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2h ago

Justin Pearson Launches Primary Challenge to Rep. Steve Cohen in Memphis’ Deep-Blue TN-9

National progressive groups are backing his bid with a $1 million early investment.

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

  • The 30-year-old Tennessee lawmaker, known from the 2023 'Tennessee Three' expulsions and reinstatement, officially entered the Democratic primary on Wednesday.
  • Justice Democrats endorsed Pearson, and David Hogg’s Leaders We Deserve pledged $1 million to support his campaign.
  • Pearson is running on a poverty-focused platform that highlights affordable housing, gun reform, Medicare for All, and greater federal investment in Memphis.
  • Cohen, 76, first elected in 2006, says he will seek another term and has signaled he is not worried about a primary challenge.
  • Tennessee’s 9th District is safely Democratic, making the primary the decisive contest as progressives target longtime incumbents in similar seats.