Steven Cohen Ends 2026 Reelection Bid After Tennessee Redraw Splits Memphis District
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 15
Steven Cohen Ends 2026 Reelection Bid After Tennessee Redraw Splits Memphis District
24 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 15
Steven Cohen said Friday he is ending his 2026 reelection campaign after Tennessee Republicans redrew his Memphis-based House district into a map he said was designed to defeat him.
The new U.S. House map, enacted earlier this month after last month’s Supreme Court decision, carves up his majority-Black district and reshapes it to favor Republicans as they try to protect a slim House majority.
Cohen, a Democrat who has represented the district for nearly 20 years, said he has asked not to appear on the ballot but is suing over the redistricting and would reenter the race if his old district is restored.
His exit underscores how post-ruling redistricting fights are already reshaping the 2026 midterms, especially in closely contested House seats.
How can communities prove voting maps are unfair after a key Supreme Court ruling?
Does splitting a city into three districts give its residents more voice or less overall influence?