Congressman Cohen Steps Down, Impacting Tennessee’s Redistricting

With Congressman Steve Cohen announcing that he won’t seek re-election in November, Republicans are in a strong position for the upcoming battle to redraw Congressional districts.

On Friday, Cohen stated his decision not to run again for what he described as “three gerrymandered congressional districts” that were derived from Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, which he has represented since early 2007.

Immediately following this news, Tennessee’s Republican legislators responded. They are expected to reconvene and approve a new map that will split the 9th Congressional District into three separate districts—a move likely to favor Republican candidates in the forthcoming midterms.

Democrats in Tennessee reacted quite dramatically, holding loud protests at the state Capitol. They resorted to using bullhorns and even dancing on desks, which some considered to be an immature display.

Ultimately, it may be all for naught. Since Cohen is the only Democrat in Tennessee’s delegation, and unless there’s court intervention, the state might end up with an entirely Republican congressional representation come January.

Cohen noted in a statement, “Last week, the Tennessee Republican Party silenced the Black vote here in Memphis to make Republican victories more probable.” He added that if the 9th District remains intact following legal battles, he would reconsider being a candidate. Otherwise, he expressed gratitude for the privilege to serve.

In a related development, Republican Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton informed Democratic House Minority Leader Karen Camper that Democratic caucus members should anticipate receiving separate letters removing them from all standing committees and subcommittees, citing their outrageous behavior.

This is still ongoing news.