Democratic Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee announced Friday that he is ending his bid for reelection and will retire from Congress at the end of his term. His decision follows a redistricting effort by Tennessee Republicans that carved up his majority-Black Memphis-based 9th District, which he has represented for more than 19 years.
The new U.S. House map splits Shelby County into three Republican-leaning districts. This reshaping is part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to hold on to a slim majority in the November midterm elections. Cohen stated that the districts were drawn to beat him and that Republicans silenced the Black vote in Memphis to ensure Republican victories.
The redistricting follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for minorities. Other Southern states, including Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina, have also taken steps toward redistricting. Cohen is challenging the state's effort in court and stated he would reenter the race if the lawsuit succeeds in restoring his old congressional district. He warned that Tennessee could shift to an entirely Republican congressional delegation, potentially leaving the state out of the loop should Democrats regain the White House.
The 76-year-old Representative has been a longtime member of the House Judiciary Committee, focusing on civil rights and strengthening voting access. Cohen is also known for colorful outbursts during congressional hearings, such as when he brought a bucket of fried chicken to a 2019 House Judiciary Committee hearing to message that Attorney General William P. Barr was not brave enough to answer questions.