MEMPHIS — Voters in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District head to the polls this week for a primary that will set the stage for a critical November contest. The race comes after Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat, announced his retirement following nearly two decades in Congress.
Cohen's decision followed a GOP-led redistricting effort that dramatically reshaped the district. The seat, historically a majority-Black Democratic stronghold based in Memphis, now stretches into Republican-friendly suburbs between Nashville and Memphis, making it a solidly red district.
On the Republican side, state Sen. Brent Taylor has secured President Trump's endorsement, positioning him as the party's likely nominee for November. Other Republican hopefuls include state Rep. Todd Warner and Charlotte Bergmann.
Warner drew attention for wearing a Trump flag during the legislature's special redistricting session. Bergmann, a Black Republican, has repeatedly challenged Cohen in past elections.
The Democratic primary features Justin J. Pearson and state Sen. London Lamar. Pearson has said he intends to compete for the seat despite the district's new partisan lean.
Lamar has received endorsements from several prominent Memphis-area officials, including Cohen himself. Former Mayor Willie Herenton and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris also back her bid.
Cohen was the lone Democrat from Tennessee in the U.S. House. His departure from a newly configured district places the seat firmly in Republican hands.
Trump's endorsement of Taylor reflects the national Republican Party's drive to flip the seat. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Taylor in November, with Democrats fighting to retain any foothold in a district once considered safe.
