WASHINGTON – Representative Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, recently announced he will not seek reelection. This decision comes after significant changes to congressional district maps in Tennessee, which have complicated his political future.
Cohen’s district, which has a large Black population, was reshaped favorably for Republicans following a Supreme Court ruling last month. This decision is part of a broader strategy by the GOP to maintain a slim majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Cohen stated, “I don’t want to quit. I’m not a quitter. But these districts were drawn to beat me.”
Despite stepping back from the race, Cohen is currently challenging the redistricting in court. He mentioned that if the lawsuit is successful and restores his original district, he would consider reentering the race. The potential outcome of the redistricting has raised concerns for Cohen, who fears Tennessee may have an entirely Republican congressional delegation after the next election, potentially sidelining the state in future political discussions, especially if Democrats regain control of the presidency.
Tennessee was notably the first state to adopt new congressional maps following a Supreme Court ruling that weakened protections for minority voters under the Voting Rights Act. Other Southern states, including Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina, are also considering similar redistricting efforts.
Cohen has served his Memphis-based district for nearly 20 years and is one of the last white Democrats in the South. He has been a strong advocate for voting access and civil rights, serving on the House Judiciary Committee. Known for his outspoken and sometimes humorous approach, Cohen gained attention during Trump’s presidency when he brought a bucket of fried chicken to a Judiciary Committee hearing to highlight then-Attorney General Bill Barr’s absence. He remarked, “The message is Attorney General Bill Barr is not brave enough to answer questions from a staff attorney and members of the Judiciary Committee.”
