Justin Pearson seeks Democratic nomination in Tennessee's newly redrawn 9th Congressional District
State Representative Justin Pearson is competing in a four-person Republican primary and a five-way Democratic primary for the 9th Congressional District in Tennessee. The district was significantly reshaped by a Republican-led Legislature during a special session, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections. President Trump cheered the redistricting as part of a national plan to help Republicans maintain their House majority. While Republicans argue the new map reflects population changes, Democrats have alleged voter suppression and expressed concern that the move dilutes Black voting strength in Memphis. Justin Pearson, who gained national attention after being expelled from the state House for protesting gun control measures, faces competition from state Senator London Lamar and other candidates. The redistricting also affected the 5th Congressional District, held by Republican Representative Andy Ogles, and reshaped the 6th District, which is now a primary battleground for several candidates. The administration announced the new map will be used for the primary elections held this Thursday.