Justin Pearson Wins Democratic Primary in Tennessee's Newly Redrawn 9th Congressional District

Tennessee state Representative Justin Pearson won the Democratic primary on August 6, 2026, in the newly redrawn 9th Congressional District. Pearson, part of the group known as the 'Tennessee Three,' defeated state Senator London Lamar, community activist Marion LaTroy Alexandria-Williams, and attorney Jim Torino. He will face Republican nominee Brent Taylor in the November election. Taylor has received endorsement from former President Donald Trump and has raised significant campaign funds. Pearson's campaign was supported by prominent Democrats from the progressive group 'the Squad,' including Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Summer Lee. Pearson gained national attention in 2023 for his involvement in a gun-control protest following a school shooting in Nashville, which led to his temporary expulsion from the state legislature alongside fellow lawmaker Justin Jones. The recent redistricting in Tennessee has altered the political landscape, dividing Memphis among three Republican-leaning districts and prompting the retirement of longtime Democratic Representative Steve Cohen.