Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) announced Friday that he will not seek re-election and will retire at the end of his current term.
The decision follows a Republican-led redistricting effort in Tennessee that fundamentally altered the boundaries of the Memphis-based 9th Congressional District. Cohen's retirement removes a veteran lawmaker from the House after two decades of service.
Cohen said the new maps split his district into three gerrymandered districts. He said that this restructuring would disenfranchise Black voters and make a successful re-election bid unlikely.
"This morning, I announced my decision not to run in any of the three gerrymandered congressional districts carved out of the 9th District that I have represented for more than 19 years," Cohen said [3].
Cohen is currently in his 20th year on Capitol Hill [1]. He will turn 77 later this month [1]. Throughout his tenure, he has represented the 9th District for more than 19 years [3].
The move comes as political battles over voting maps continue to shape the electoral landscape in Tennessee. By splitting the 9th District, the Republican-led redistricting process has effectively neutralized one of the most reliable Democratic strongholds in the state.
Cohen's departure marks the end of a long-term presence in the U.S. House of Representatives. The vacancy will likely trigger a competitive race to fill the seat, though the new boundaries will significantly change the demographic and political makeup of the contest.
“I announced my decision not to run in any of the three gerrymandered congressional districts”
The retirement of Rep. Steve Cohen illustrates the tangible impact of gerrymandering on incumbent lawmakers. By splitting a concentrated Democratic base into multiple districts, the Republican-led map effectively forced a veteran politician out of office without a vote. This strategic redistricting not only removes a specific individual but also dilutes the voting power of Black constituents in Memphis, potentially shifting the balance of power in the Tennessee delegation.
