'Tennessee Three' Hero Launches Shock Primary Challenge Against Veteran Democrat

Paul Riverbank, 10/9/2025A fascinating generational showdown is unfolding in Memphis as 30-year-old progressive Justin Pearson challenges veteran Rep. Steve Cohen, 76, for Tennessee's 9th congressional seat. This primary battle epitomizes the broader tensions within the Democratic Party between established leadership and emerging progressive voices.

Memphis Politics Faces Watershed Moment as Young Progressive Challenges Veteran Cohen

The political landscape of Memphis is witnessing what might be its most intriguing congressional primary in decades. Justin Pearson, the fiery 30-year-old state representative who made headlines during last year's "Tennessee Three" controversy, has thrown his hat into the ring against Steve Cohen, the 76-year-old Democratic stalwart who's represented Tennessee's 9th district since 2006.

I've watched Memphis politics evolve over decades, and this race epitomizes a broader struggle within the Democratic Party. Standing in Southside Park yesterday – the streets of his childhood a stone's throw away – Pearson didn't just announce a campaign; he issued a challenge to the old guard. His words about Memphis's 22.6% poverty rate cut deep, especially in a city where economic struggles have persisted despite years of federal attention.

Cohen's response to this challenge has been characteristically direct. Back in September, he told me during an Axios interview that any challenger would be making "a mistake" – fighting words from a politician who's masterfully cultivated relationships across Memphis's complex political landscape. His trump card? A proven track record of directing federal dollars homeward, particularly to institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

But Pearson brings something different to the table. His expulsion from the Tennessee House last year – following an impassioned protest for gun reform after the Nashville school shooting – wasn't just political theater. It transformed him into a symbol of progressive resistance in a deep-red state. The million-dollar pledge from Leaders We Deserve, David Hogg's organization, suggests the national progressive movement sees real potential here.

What makes this race particularly fascinating is how it reflects shifting Democratic Party dynamics. While Cohen represents the pragmatic deal-making style of traditional Democratic leadership, Pearson embodies a new wave of activists-turned-politicians. His earlier victory against the crude oil pipeline project in Memphis's Black neighborhoods wasn't just environmental activism – it was a masterclass in grassroots organizing that caught the attention of unlikely allies like Justin Timberlake and Al Gore.

The timing couldn't be more critical. As Democrats nationally grapple with questions of generational change and strategic direction, this Memphis showdown might offer some answers. In a district that's reliably Democratic, the primary winner essentially takes the seat, making this contest a referendum on the party's future in the Mid-South.

Having covered numerous political transitions, I can say this: Memphis voters aren't just choosing between two candidates – they're deciding what kind of Democratic leadership they believe can best address their city's persistent challenges. Whether that's Cohen's established influence or Pearson's progressive energy will likely depend on how voters weigh experience against the promise of change.

Memphis Politics Faces Watershed Moment as Young Progressive Challenges Veteran CohenThe political landscape of Memphis is witnessing what might be its most intriguing congressional primary in decades. Justin Pearson, the fiery 30-year-old state representative who made headlines during last year's "Tennessee Three" controversy, has thrown his hat into the ring against Steve Cohen, the 76-year-old Democratic stalwart who's represented Tennessee's 9th district since 2006.I've watched Memphis politics evolve over decades, and this race epitomizes a broader struggle within the Democratic Party. Standing in Southside Park yesterday – the streets of his childhood a stone's throw away – Pearson didn't just announce a campaign; he issued a challenge to the old guard. His words about Memphis's 22.6% poverty rate cut deep, especially in a city where economic struggles have persisted despite years of federal attention.Cohen's response to this challenge has been characteristically direct. Back in September, he told me during an Axios interview that any challenger would be making "a mistake" – fighting words from a politician who's masterfully cultivated relationships across Memphis's complex political landscape. His trump card? A proven track record of directing federal dollars homeward, particularly to institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.But Pearson brings something different to the table. His expulsion from the Tennessee House last year – following an impassioned protest for gun reform after the Nashville school shooting – wasn't just political theater. It transformed him into a symbol of progressive resistance in a deep-red state. The million-dollar pledge from Leaders We Deserve, David Hogg's organization, suggests the national progressive movement sees real potential here.What makes this race particularly fascinating is how it reflects shifting Democratic Party dynamics. While Cohen represents the pragmatic deal-making style of traditional Democratic leadership, Pearson embodies a new wave of activists-turned-politicians. His earlier victory against the crude oil pipeline project in Memphis's Black neighborhoods wasn't just environmental activism – it was a masterclass in grassroots organizing that caught the attention of unlikely allies like Justin Timberlake and Al Gore.The timing couldn't be more critical. As Democrats nationally grapple with questions of generational change and strategic direction, this Memphis showdown might offer some answers. In a district that's reliably Democratic, the primary winner essentially takes the seat, making this contest a referendum on the party's future in the Mid-South.Having covered numerous political transitions, I can say this: Memphis voters aren't just choosing between two candidates – they're deciding what kind of Democratic leadership they believe can best address their city's persistent challenges. Whether that's Cohen's established influence or Pearson's progressive energy will likely depend on how voters weigh experience against the promise of change.