Justin Pearson Wins Democratic Primary in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District

Justin Pearson, a key member of the ‘Tennessee Three’, has won the Democratic primary for Tennessee’s newly redrawn 9th Congressional District. Supported by prominent progressive Democrats, Pearson emerged victorious over state Sen. London Lamar, community activist Marion LaTroy Alexandria-Williams, and attorney Jim Torino. In the upcoming November election, he will compete against the Republican nominee, well-funded with millions raised during his campaign.

The Memphis-based state lawmaker has received backing from influential Democrats, known as ‘the Squad’. This group includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Summer Lee, who supported Pearson at a Memphis rally. Pearson’s dynamic, preacher-like speeches have garnered support from groups such as Justice Democrats, the Working Families Party, MoveOn, and Indivisible.

The ‘Tennessee Three’ lawmakers, Justin Pearson, Gloria Johnson, and Justin Jones, gained attention in 2023 after joining a gun-control protest in the state House. The protest followed the Covenant School shooting, which tragically resulted in the deaths of three children and three adults.

Following the protest, Republican lawmakers expelled Pearson and Jones, though they later regained their positions. Gloria Johnson narrowly avoided expulsion by one vote. The lawmakers’ efforts highlighted gun control issues and their perseverance despite political setbacks.

The primary victory occurred after Tennessee’s congressional map was reshaped, splitting Memphis among three Republican-favored districts. This map prompted long-serving Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen to retire. Before these changes, Memphis’s 9th District provided a stronghold for Tennessee Democrats in a predominantly Republican state.

Steve Cohen, Tennessee’s lone Democratic Representative, has served alongside eight Republicans since 2023. The new congressional map is challenging, as it swings in favor of Republicans across all districts.