Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection, citing the state's newly drawn congressional map that significantly altered his Memphis-based district. The Republican-controlled Tennessee legislature passed a redistricting plan that splits the 9th district, which Cohen has represented since 2007, into three parts, effectively eliminating the state's only Democratic-majority district.
Cohen, 76, stated during a press conference that the new district lines 'look nothing like the 9th district that I’ve represented.' He emphasized that the district had been a majority African American district, a fact he highlighted as unique in American politics, where a white representative has consistently won in a majority-minority district. 'This is by far the most difficult moment I've had as an elected official,' Cohen said, adding that he considered running in one of the new districts but ultimately decided against it.
The redistricting effort follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which narrowed protections under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, making it harder to challenge race-based redistricting. Tennessee was the first state to pass new congressional districts after the ruling, and other Southern states like Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina are expected to follow suit.
Cohen has filed a lawsuit challenging the new map, and he indicated that he would reconsider his decision if the lawsuit succeeds in restoring his old district. However, he acknowledged that Tennessee is likely to shift to an entirely Republican congressional delegation after the next election, which could leave the state out of the loop once Democrats regain the White House.
Cohen's retirement marks the end of a 19-year career in Congress, during which he served on the House Judiciary Committee and focused on issues like civil rights, voting access, and policing reform. He was also the first Jewish person elected to represent Tennessee in Congress. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Cohen's contributions, noting his leadership on issues such as the first formal apology for slavery in the U.S. and his work on the Voting Rights Act and police reform.
The redistricting plan has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and other Democrats, who argue that it undermines minority representation. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) described the new map as 'butchered,' stating that it splits Memphis into three different districts, effectively dismantling the community of interest in the city.
Cohen's decision comes as several other House Democrats have opted against reelection this midterm election cycle. The Tennessee secretary of state's office has outlined the process for candidates to change districts or withdraw from the race, allowing those who previously qualified to run in the newly drawn districts.