Tennessee Democrat Justin Pearson runs for Congress as family draws scrutiny
The gist
Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson, the Democratic nominee in the redrawn 9th District, faces Republican Brent Taylor on Nov. 3.
The race is Tennessee's most closely watched, and his family's activism is now part of the story.
How it unfolded
- Oct 8, 2025Pearson announced at a Memphis park that he would challenge longtime Democratic congressman Steve Cohen for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in 2026.
- May 7, 2026After GOP lawmakers passed a new congressional map splitting Memphis into three districts, protests erupted in the House chamber and Pearson's brother KeShaun was detained by Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers.
- Aug 6, 2026Pearson won the Democratic primary for the redrawn 9th District, defeating state Sen. London Lamar, community activist M. LaTroy Alexandria-Williams and physician Jim Torino.