Representative Justin J. Pearson of Tennessee declared his intention to run against incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen for the 9th District U.S. House seat.
In 2023, Pearson was one of three Tennessee House members who made headlines around the country after being the subject of an expulsion vote in response to a demonstration against gun ownership inside the legislature.
Prior to winning a position in the Tennessee House in 2023 in a special election to replace a deceased lawmaker, Pearson was an environmental justice activist.
A few months later, he participated in a state House floor demonstration for stricter gun laws alongside fellow Democratic Representatives Gloria Johnson and Justin Jones.
A press conference announcing his campaign was held by Pearson on Wednesday morning.
We’re so proud to announce our latest candidate this cycle: @Justinjpearson in #TN09!
As Memphis is terrorized by Trump’s masked agents & poisoned by Elon Musk’s xAI plant, they need leaders that will actually fight back, protect them & deliver the prosperity they were promised. pic.twitter.com/7KKXFjUJLf
— Justice Democrats (@justicedems) October 8, 2025
