Story perspectives

Pearson, Taylor Lead Primaries as Cohen Retires from District 9

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Justin J. Pearson leads the Democratic primary for District 9 with over 22,000 votes.
State Sen. Brent Taylor leads the Republican primary with more than 23,000 votes.
Incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen will not seek re-election, ending a career that began in 1976.
Pearson condemned President Donald Trump’s Guard deployment to Memphis and urged housing, education and health funding.
Taylor praised the redrawn District 9 and the Tennessee School Accountability Act.

1 of 1

Story summary

Rep. Justin J. Pearson leads the Democratic primary for District 9 with over 22,000 votes.
State Sen. Brent Taylor leads the Republican primary with more than 23,000 votes.
Incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen will not seek re-election, ending a career that began in 1976.
Pearson condemned President Donald Trump’s Guard deployment to Memphis and urged housing, education and health funding.
Taylor praised the redrawn District 9 and the Tennessee School Accountability Act.