Tennesse Dem Steve Cohen tears up on air after redistricting destroys his reelection bid
Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen expressed deep emotion on air after announcing he would not seek reelection due to redistricting changes that hindered his chances. The redistricting, which altered the majority-minority 9th district, was criticized by Cohen as detrimental to democracy. He lamented the political maneuvering that led to his decision, reflecting on his long tenure representing a diverse constituency.
- ▪Steve Cohen broke down in tears while discussing his decision to drop his reelection bid.
- ▪The redistricting of Tennessee's 9th district was seen as a move to favor Republican candidates.
- ▪Cohen has represented the Memphis-centered district since 2007 and is the last Democrat in Tennessee's congressional delegation.
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Politics Tennesse Dem Steve Cohen tears up on air after redistricting destroys his reelection bid By Ryan King Published May 17, 2026, 5:28 p.m. ET WASHINGTON — Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen broke down in tears while reflecting on his decision to drop his reelection bid after redistricting all but ensured he had no path to victory. Cohen (D-Tenn.), the sole Democrat in Tennessee’s congressional delegation, lamented the Republicans’ revamping of the Volunteer State’s 9th district, which is majority minority, and railed against redistricting as “bad for democracy.” “I’m upset by this,” the now-outgoing Democrat bemoaned to NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo on Friday. “And I don’t get the criticism of stand and fight.” 3 Rep.
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