Justin Pearson, the young Tennessee state representative who shot to national fame for his climate activism and unapologetic advocacy for marginalized communities, has officially entered the 2026 Democratic primary for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District—setting up a high-stakes intra-party battle against 18-year incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen.
Table of Contents
- Who Is Justin Pearson?
- Why Challenge a Fellow Democrat?
- A Generational and Ideological Divide
- Inside Tennessee’s 9th District
- What This Primary Means for Democrats
- Sources
Who Is Justin Pearson?
At just 29 years old, Justin Pearson has already lived a lifetime in public service. Elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2023, he gained national attention as one of the “Tennessee Three”—a group of young lawmakers expelled from the state legislature for leading a gun control protest on the House floor after the Covenant School shooting in Nashville.
His expulsion sparked outrage across the country, massive protests, and eventual reinstatement by popular demand. Since then, Pearson has become a rising star in progressive politics, championing environmental justice, police reform, and youth civic engagement.
Why Challenge a Fellow Democrat?
Pearson isn’t running against Cohen out of personal animosity. In fact, both men share Democratic Party affiliation and many policy goals. But Pearson argues that the district needs a representative who reflects its changing demographics and urgent challenges.
“Representation isn’t just about party—it’s about presence,” Pearson said in his campaign launch speech in Memphis. “Our district is young, diverse, and hungry for action on climate, housing, and economic justice. We need a Congress member who lives those struggles every day.”
A Generational and Ideological Divide
| Issue | Steve Cohen (Incumbent) | Justin Pearson (Challenger) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 75 | 29 |
| Congress Tenure | Since 2007 | First-time candidate |
| Climate Policy | Supports clean energy bills | Demands Green New Deal–style action |
| Policing Reform | Backs modest federal reforms | Calls for defunding and community reinvestment |
| Political Style | Institutional, legislative veteran | Grassroots activist, protest leader |
While Cohen has a strong record on civil rights and voting rights, Pearson contends that “incrementalism won’t save us from floods, foreclosures, or failing schools.”
Inside Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District
Based in Memphis and Shelby County, TN-09 is one of the most reliably Democratic districts in the South, with a Black majority population and a median age under 35. It’s also among the poorest in the state, with persistent issues around infrastructure, healthcare access, and environmental hazards like lead contamination and industrial pollution.
Pearson’s campaign is betting that these realities demand a new kind of leadership—one that’s not just experienced, but experiential.
What This Primary Means for Democrats
This race is more than a local contest—it’s a microcosm of a national tension within the Democratic Party: institutional loyalty versus progressive urgency. Similar dynamics have played out in New York (AOC vs. Crowley), Michigan (Tlaib vs. established Democrats), and California.
Rep. Cohen has already secured endorsements from national Democratic leaders, but Pearson is drawing support from climate groups like Sunrise Movement, Justice Democrats, and local youth coalitions. Early polling shows Cohen leading, but with nearly 40% of voters undecided—especially among voters under 35.
“This isn’t about replacing one Democrat with another,” says Memphis activist Tamika Lewis. “It’s about who gets to define what democracy looks like for the next generation.”
