Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) is the latest incumbent establishment Democrat to face a challenge from a young progressive Democrat.
Controversial state Rep. Justin Pearson, 30, earned national attention on March 30, 2023, when he and fellow Democratic state Reps. Gloria Johnson and Justin Jones took over the state Capitol’s floor to harangue fellow legislators over gun control measures. He was turned into a martyr after he and Jones were expelled from the body, quickly reelected, and sent back by their constituents. The “mini Jan. 6” earned the derision of Republicans, but garnered Pearson widespread acclaim from progressive Democrats. Now, he’s seeking to transform that fame into a run for Congress to unseat the 10-term Cohen, 76.
“Steve Cohen has served his district for 20 years in Congress … I’m grateful for his service,” Pearson told Axios.
“I’m running for Congress because politics and government have changed a lot in 20 years, and we need a new voice, a new vision, a new perspective,” he added.
Pearson faces an uphill battle — Cohen has won nearly every election with over 70% of the vote, most recently in 2024, with 71.3% of the vote.
Likewise, Cohen doesn’t seem concerned. He told the outlet earlier this year that he’s “not worried” about a primary challenge and that it would “be a mistake for somebody to run against me.”
“Whoever succeeds me will probably … be somebody whom I choose to endorse,” he said.
However, Pearson enjoys heavy backing from progressive Democrats nationwide, including the Justice Democrats, a group that has backed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
Former Democratic National Committee Vice Chairman David Hogg‘s political group, Leaders We Deserve, announced its endorsement of Pearson on Wednesday, marking its second primary endorsement of a younger, progressive Democrat against an older incumbent Democrat.
“Proud to announce we’re endorsing @Justinjpearson in his race for #TN09. From his work stopping the Byhalia Connection oil pipeline to his fearless stand for stronger gun safety laws, he’s shown the kind of backbone needed to take on powerful special interests,” the group said in an X post.
DAVID HOGG MAKES FIRST PRIMARY ENDORSEMENT TARGETING DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT
Cohen has been the source of controversy since Oct. 7, 2023, due to his support for Israel. He left the Progressive Caucus last year after 17 years of membership due to its toughened stance against Israel.
Pearson, in contrast, has been a harsh critic of Israel, telling the outlet that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government “is committing genocide against the people in Palestine.”