Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee announced Friday he will not seek reelection after the state's Republican-led legislature redrew his Memphis-based congressional district, splitting its majority-Black population across multiple districts with GOP advantages. The move follows a recent Supreme Court decision that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for minorities.
Key Takeaways
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) announced Friday he will not seek reelection due to Tennessee's new congressional maps, which split his majority-Black district in Memphis. The redraw follows a Supreme Court decision weakening Voting Rights Act protections and is part of GOP efforts to gain an advantage in the midterms.
- Cohen ends 19-year tenure representing Memphis after redistricting splits his district
- Tennessee's new maps weaken minority representation per Supreme Court ruling
- Cohen challenges redistricting in court, may reenter race if lawsuit succeeds
- First Jewish person elected to represent Tennessee and white Democrat in majority-Black district
Cohen told reporters in Washington, D.C., 'I don't want to quit. I'm not a quitter. But these districts were drawn to beat me.' He is challenging the redistricting in court and said he would reenter the race if his lawsuit succeeds in restoring his old district boundaries.
The 76-year-old congressman has represented Tennessee's 9th District for nearly two decades, making him one of the last white Democrats representing a majority-Black Southern district. He is also the first Jewish person elected to represent Tennessee in Congress. Cohen serves on key House committees and has focused his career on voting rights, civil rights, and infrastructure projects like funding for a Memphis bridge.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Cohen as 'a powerful champion for civil rights,' noting his work on slavery reparations, Voting Rights Act hearings, and police reform. Meanwhile, local activists expressed determination to hold accountable whatever lawmakers emerge from the newly redrawn districts.
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