Justin Pearson Wins Democratic Primary in Tennessee’s Redrawn District

Justin Pearson, known for his role in the ‘Tennessee Three,’ has clinched the Democratic primary in Tennessee’s newly configured 9th Congressional District. He secured victory over state Sen. London Lamar and other competitors, including community activist Marion LaTroy Alexandria-Williams and attorney Jim Torino. With substantial campaign funds, Pearson is set to compete against the Republican nominee in November.

The Memphis-based state representative enters the general election with backing from notable progressive figures. Support came from ‘the Squad,’ including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Summer Lee, who appeared beside him at a recent campaign rally. National left-wing organizations such as Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party also endorsed him.

Pearson gained national attention in 2023 during his involvement in a gun-control protest after the tragic Covenant School shooting. This protest led to his temporary expulsion from the state House by Republican lawmakers, a fate also met by fellow Democrat Justin Jones. However, both regained their seats, while Rep. Gloria Johnson avoided expulsion narrowly.

The primary win follows a redistricting of Tennessee’s congressional map. This redrawing divided Memphis across three Republican-leaning districts, prompting the retirement of Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen. Before this change, Memphis was a stronghold for Democrats, grouped into the 9th District. Historically, Cohen was the only Democrat among Tennessee’s nine House representatives since 2023.