Story perspectives

Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen Withdraws Over Gerrymander

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen announced he will not seek reelection after the state legislature redrew his district.
Cohen called the new map a partisan gerrymander that splits the former 9th District into three districts extending into central Tennessee, diluting Black voting strength.
His withdrawal marks the 59th House retirement this cycle, the second-highest number since 1930.
Cohen said he could reenter the race if a court restores the pre-redistricting boundaries.

History

Historical Context

After President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act on August 6 1965—registering a quarter-million new Black voters that year—Section 2 barred vote-dilution and a 1972 amendment let courts assess discrimination by effect. The Justice Department has invoked those powers to block Tennessee redistricting, and Rep. Steve Cohen’s recent withdrawal from a split district echoes that historic struggle to protect Black voting strength.

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Story summary

Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen announced he will not seek reelection after the state legislature redrew his district.
Cohen called the new map a partisan gerrymander that splits the former 9th District into three districts extending into central Tennessee, diluting Black voting strength.
His withdrawal marks the 59th House retirement this cycle, the second-highest number since 1930.
Cohen said he could reenter the race if a court restores the pre-redistricting boundaries.

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