Story perspectives

Judges Allow Tennessee Map Splitting Black District; Cohen Exits

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. judges allowed Tennessee to use a congressional map that splits the majority-Black Memphis district for the Aug. 6 primary.
The three-judge panel denied a preliminary injunction, saying plaintiffs lacked evidence of a racial motive.
The map divides the former Memphis district into three districts reaching toward Nashville suburbs, ending Rep. Steve Cohen’s (D-Tenn.) district.
Cohen announced he will not seek reelection; early voting began July 17.

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Story summary

U.S. judges allowed Tennessee to use a congressional map that splits the majority-Black Memphis district for the Aug. 6 primary.
The three-judge panel denied a preliminary injunction, saying plaintiffs lacked evidence of a racial motive.
The map divides the former Memphis district into three districts reaching toward Nashville suburbs, ending Rep. Steve Cohen’s (D-Tenn.) district.
Cohen announced he will not seek reelection; early voting began July 17.