Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Tennessee state Representative Justin J. Pearson on June 16, 2026, as he campaigns for Congress in a district affected by recent redistricting. Pearson emerged as a front-runner in the Democratic primary following the retirement of two-decade incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen. The newly drawn 9th Congressional District poses challenges for Democratic candidates, as it has been altered to favor Republican candidates. Pearson is focusing his campaign on issues such as wealth inequality and corporate influence, aiming to attract a broad base of support, including disaffected Republican voters.
In a statement, Sanders highlighted Pearson's commitment to addressing the influence of wealth and corporate power in politics. Pearson has raised nearly $2 million for his campaign, primarily from small donations, and has received endorsements from various progressive organizations. He is competing against other Democratic candidates, including state Senator London Lamar and Jim Torino, as well as facing a Republican opponent in the general election.
Despite the challenges posed by the redistricting, Pearson remains optimistic about his campaign, citing a strong response from voters during his listening tour across the district. He has also been involved in legal challenges against the new congressional maps, which he argues dilute the voting power of Black residents in the area.