State Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) launched a bid for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District on Wednesday, setting up a primary challenge between him and incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN-09).
Pearson, along with State Representatives Justin Jones (D-Nashville) and Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville), made national headlines in 2023 after commandeering the Tennessee House Floor to demand gun control three days after the March 27 shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville.
Both Pearson and Jones were expelled from the Tennessee General Assembly after the incident, but were soon reinstated by their districts’ respective city councils.
In announcing his congressional campaign, Pearson said it is “time for new and bold leadership,” framing the election for the 9th District as a “challenging fight…up against the status quo and the establishment.”
Among the policy priorities Pearson mentioned upon launching his congressional campaign were “Medicare for all,” “common sense gun legislation,” federal funds to combat poverty and crime, and affordable housing.
Pearson’s campaign was quickly endorsed by the leftist Leaders We Deserve PAC, co-founded by gun control activist David Hogg, who briefly served as the Democratic National Committee’s vice chair.
Proud to announce @Leaderswedeserv is endorsing @Justinjpearson in his race for #TN09. From his work stopping the Byhalia Connection oil pipeline to his fearless stand for stronger gun safety laws, he's shown the kind of backbone needed to take on powerful special interests. pic.twitter.com/ZlzzhvmkV9
— David Hogg 🟧 (@davidhogg111) October 8, 2025
“Known for his oratory gifts, Pearson is a justice warrior and democracy champion who organizes, mobilizes and activates People Power,” the PAC, which reportedly plans to spend $1 million in the TN-9 primary race, writes on its website.
Hogg, in announcing the PAC’s endorsement of Pearson, called the Memphis Democrat a “tested fighter,” and called on Cohen to “pass the torch” to the next generation by not seeking reelection and supporting Pearson.
“In this moment of crisis, I’m calling on Representative Steve Cohen to pass the torch to Justin J. Pearson — a transformational leader who can inspire a new generation,” Hogg said.
Cohen was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006 after serving roughly two decades in the Tennessee State Senate. He is 76 years old.
Earlier this year, Cohen told Axios that he was “not worried” about a primary challenge in 2026 and that it would “be a mistake for somebody to run against me.”
“Whoever succeeds me will probably … be somebody whom I choose to endorse,” he said at the time.
The Democratic primary for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District is scheduled for August 6, 2026.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Justin Pearson” by Justin Pearson. Photo “Steve Cohen” by Steve Cohen.
