Rep. Steve Cohen ending campaign after redraw of his Memphis district

Key Points:

• Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee announced he is ending his reelection bid due to a new GOP-drawn congressional map that dismantles his majority-Black district, designed to disadvantage him and aid Republicans in the upcoming midterms.
• Cohen is challenging the redistricting in court and may reenter the race if the old district is restored; he warned Tennessee could shift entirely Republican in Congress, potentially losing influence when Democrats control the White House.
• Tennessee was the first state to enact new congressional districts following a Supreme Court ruling weakening federal Voting Rights Act protections, with similar efforts underway in other Southern states.
• Cohen, a longtime Memphis representative and civil rights advocate, faces a primary challenge from Black Democrat Justin Pearson, who will continue his campaign in the newly drawn district.
• Local activists expressed concern over the city's division into three districts but emphasized the need for continued engagement and accountability from all representatives regardless of party affiliation.