Justin Pearson, a prominent Democratic state representative from Tennessee, has officially announced his bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Known for his activism and role in the “Tennessee Three,” Pearson is set to challenge long-serving incumbent U.S. Representative Steve Cohen.
NASHVILLE, TN – Justin Pearson, a prominent Democratic state representative from Tennessee known for his vocal activism and role in the “Tennessee Three,” has officially announced his bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pearson, who represents the 86th district in the Tennessee House, is expected to challenge long-serving Democratic incumbent U.S. Representative Steve Cohen in the 9th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Memphis.
Pearson, 29, rose to national prominence earlier this year following his expulsion from the state legislature by Republican lawmakers. The expulsion came after he, along with State Representative Justin Jones and then-Representative Gloria Johnson, participated in a gun control protest on the House floor in the wake of a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville. Pearson was subsequently re-elected to his state House seat in a special election, returning to the legislature with renewed public support.
His decision to seek a federal office marks a significant escalation in his political career, positioning him as a representative of a younger, more progressive wing of the Democratic party. His campaign is expected to focus on issues such as gun violence prevention, social justice reform, environmental protection, and economic equity for underserved communities, themes that have been central to his activism.
“Our communities are demanding bold action and a fierce commitment to justice, not just incremental change,” Pearson stated in a campaign announcement. “From the fight against gun violence to ensuring every family has a fair shot at prosperity, I believe our voices belong in Washington, advocating tirelessly for the future we deserve. This campaign is about bringing that fight for systemic change directly to the halls of Congress.”
Representative Cohen, 74, has served in Congress since 2007 and is a well-established figure in Tennessee politics. He has consistently won re-election by wide margins. Pearson’s entry into the race sets up a potentially high-profile Democratic primary, drawing national attention to the evolving political landscape within the party and the appetite for new leadership in traditional Democratic strongholds.
The 9th Congressional District is overwhelmingly Democratic, meaning the primary election will likely be the decisive contest for the seat. Pearson’s campaign will aim to mobilize grassroots support and leverage his national profile cultivated during his time in the state legislature and his subsequent re-election.
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