Full Breakdown
Tennessee Redistricting Forces Long-time Congressman Steve Cohen to End Reelection Bid
5/16/2026, 1:31:33 AM
Redistricting Undermines Cohen’s Memphis Seat
On May 15, 2026 Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) announced he will not appear on the ballot for the August 6 primary after the Tennessee General Assembly and Gov. Bill Lee enacted a new congressional map that divided his 9th District—historically a majority-Black district centered on Memphis—into three separate districts (5th, 8th, 9th). Cohen said the new districts “were drawn to beat me.”
Legal and Political Background
The map was adopted days after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in *Callais v. Louisiana*, which limited the use of race in drawing districts and weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Tennessee was the first state to redraw its congressional lines under the ruling, joining Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and South Carolina in a second wave of redistricting aimed at consolidating Republican majorities.
Key Players
- Steve Cohen – Democratic U.S. Representative for the 9th District since 2007.
- Bill Lee – Republican governor who signed the new map into law.
- Justin J. Pearson – State Rep. (D-Memphis) and Cohen’s primary challenger, now running in the reconfigured 9th District.
- Hakeem Jeffries – House Minority Leader (D-NY) who praised Cohen’s record.
- Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) and Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill) – Republican candidates filing for the new seats.
- Tierney Macon – Activist with The Equity Alliance, leading local protests.
Data & Statistics
- The 9th District was split three ways, merging parts of Shelby County with rural counties extending to Williamson County.
- Inside Elections calculated the new 9th District would have favored Donald Trump by 21 percentage points in 2024.
- Cohen’s retirement marks the 59th House departure this cycle, the second-highest total since 1930.
- The revised map creates three GOP-leaning districts, potentially giving Republicans all nine of Tennessee’s House seats.
Why It Matters
The redistricting eliminates a long-standing majority-Black seat, reducing Black electoral influence in the state and potentially leaving Tennessee without Democratic representation in Congress. The change exemplifies a broader national shift that could reshape partisan balances in the 2026 midterms and affect federal policy priorities tied to civil-rights and voting-access legislation.
Official Statements & Responses
Cohen told reporters, “I don’t want to quit. I’m not a quitter, but these districts were drawn to beat me,” and added that he would re-enter the race if a court restored the 9th District’s prior boundaries. Jeffries issued a statement calling Cohen “a powerful champion for civil rights” and saying the city of Memphis, Congress, and the nation are better because of his service. Federal plaintiffs, including Cohen, have filed lawsuits challenging the map; a judge denied a temporary restraining order on May 14, allowing the new districts to stand for the upcoming primary. Pearson announced he will continue his campaign in the reconfigured 9th District.
Criticism & Opposition
Activists described the map as a “power grab” that “silences the Black vote” and likened it to “resurrecting Jim Crow.” Tierney Macon of The Equity Alliance warned that “things are going to change” and urged voters to stay engaged despite the new boundaries.
On-the-Ground Reports
Protesters gathered in Nashville’s statehouse gallery and in Memphis, chanting against “racial discrimination and authoritarian abuse.” Local civil-rights groups pledged to hold the new representatives accountable, regardless of party affiliation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Republican officials argue the map complies with constitutional requirements and reflects population changes, while Democrats contend it deliberately dilutes minority voting strength. Courts have yet to issue a final ruling on the legality of the districts, leaving the precise electoral impact uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t want to quit. I’m not a quitter. But these districts were drawn to beat me.” — Steve Cohen, U.S. Representative
- “This morning, I announced my decision not to run in any of the three gerrymandered congressional districts carved out of the 9th District that I have represented for more than 19 years,” — Steve Cohen
- “It’s unique in America that an African American-majority district has elected a white guy, and we’ve had a great relationship and a great amount of support,” — Steve Cohen
- “Donald Trump is the greatest threat to democracy, and to decorum and grace that we’ve ever seen.” — Steve Cohen
- “the City of Memphis, the Congress and the nation are better because of Steve’s commitment to making a difference.” — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader
- “If the courts will give two more years to the district to be the old District 9 that I've represented in Memphis, I will run for that office,” — Steve Cohen
What’s Next
The August 6 primary will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for the three new districts. Cohen’s lawsuits remain pending; a favorable court decision could allow him to re-enter the race before the filing deadline. The outcomes will shape Tennessee’s congressional delegation and serve as a bellwether for redistricting battles nationwide.
