5:19Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson observes as Democratic presidential aspirant, Vice President Kamala Harris speaks onstage during the concluding day of the Democratic National Convention, August 22, 2024 in Chicago.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Justin Pearson, the Tennessee state representative, a 30-year-old progressive advocate and legislator who garnered nationwide notice as one of the "Tennessee Three," is initiating a primary bid against the veteran Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen.
Pearson's effort, centered around the motto "It's About Us," calls attention to Memphis's 22.6% impoverishment level — almost twice the state's rate — and assures "immediate answers to continuous crises" in Tennessee's sole Democratic congressional area.
Pearson's pursuit is a segment of a more extensive trend of intraparty duels matching more youthful progressives against well-rooted officeholders.
Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson listens as Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention, August 22, 2024 in Chicago.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Cohen, 76, has been the representative for Tennessee's 9th Congressional Zone since 2007. He communicated to Axios earlier this year his intention to run again.
"My voters are in need of assistance from D.C., and I have an impact on bringing essential funding home," he expressed.
Pearson, ousted from the Tennessee House in 2023 after spearheading a gun control demonstration, was later re-appointed and triumphed in a special election, solidifying his position as an emerging progressive figure.
In Pearson's campaign kickoff video, unveiled Wednesday, he shared with voters, "I am honored to be one of us, a Memphian, born and bred, who is knowledgeable on how to connect across race, identity, ethnicity, and generations, with the goal of building the future that we desire to exist within."
Tennessee's 9th District, centered in Memphis, is the state's only Democratic base after redistricting in 2022.
"The identical problems that people are encountering today in this district are the identical problems that Justin confronted as a youth and the same issues that Justin's parents confronted during their childhoods," Usamah Andrabi, communications director for the group, Justice Democrats, told ABC News. "Ultimately, you must ponder, is it perhaps time for fresh leadership?"
Andrabi indicated that the organization is dedicated to promoting a new cohort of leaders, highlighting the fact that Pearson was only 8 years of age when Cohen initially secured the seat. The group portrayed Cohen as an individual who has held office for four decades, labeling him an "absentee congressman."
Cohen maintains favor within his local district, succeeding in reelection with exceeding 70% of the votes during a four-way primary in 2024, and more than 71% of the votes in the general election against a Republican rival.
Rep. Steve Cohen particpates in the House Judiciary Committee markup of the” Report Recommending that the House of Representatives Cite Attorney General Merrick Garland for Contempt of Congress” May 16, 2024.Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
Pearson represents Justice Democrats' third endorsement of the election cycle, following Angela Gonzales-Torres in California and Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney.
Established in 2017, the organization has aided in electing various members of the "Squad" — incorporating Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in New York, Ilhan Omar in Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley in Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib in Michigan — and displacing five long-tenured incumbents.
Pearson's agenda encompasses labor rights and liveable wages, accessible housing, Medicare for All, environmental fairness, federal funding to combat poverty, and gun regulation.
"This effort isn't centered around one individual," Pearson stated in a written statement. "It focuses on forging a movement wherein our community can recognize itself.
Pearson's campaign contributes to a broader trend.
In Washington, D.C., Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, a nonvoting House member, is encountering two challengers in next year's primary, D.C. Council members Robert White Jr. and Brooke Pinto.
In Connecticut, Rep. John Larson is facing primary challengers, including former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest.
Bilal Dabir Sekou, a political science professor at the University of Hartford, suggested that the trend demonstrates Democrats are increasingly prepared to oppose longstanding members within their party.
"What is noteworthy is individuals are intensifying efforts and challenging individuals, almost resembling an insurgency within the party," Sekou noted.
He incorporated that Democrats are struggling with a generational transition, mentioning former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi relinquishing her position from House leadership in 2023.
"A substantial amount of that older leadership desires individuals who are analogous to them," he stated. "If they depart, they aspire to yield to someone who resonates with them, concerning policy inclinations and manner and methodology."
Republicans are similarly grappling with internal challenges.
For example, in Texas, Sen. John Cornyn, 73, is encountering primary trials from state Attorney General Ken Paxton, 62, and Rep. Wesley Hunt, 43.
Alongside the backing Pearson has obtained from Justice Democrats, another organization, Leaders We Deserve, a political institution powered by youth and founded by gun-violence survivor David Hogg, has committed $1 million toward his election bid.
"During this critical juncture, I am urging Representative Steve Cohen to transfer the mantle to Justin J. Pearson — a transformative leader equipped to galvanize a new generation," Hogg communicated via statement. "Memphis warrants a next-generation leader such as Justin — a tested contender poised to secure opportunities, affordability, safety, and impartiality for his constituents."
"From his victorious endeavor to halt the Byhalia Connection oil pipeline, which jeopardized the drinking supply for more than a million inhabitants within the Memphis vicinity, to his resolute stance in the state capitol advocating for more rigorous gun safety regulations following the 2023 Covenant school tragedy, Justin J. Pearson has consistently demonstrated the strength required to confront influential vested interests, ranging from big oil to the gun lobby," Hogg appended.
Charlotte Bergmann is a Republican contending for the 9th Congressional District position.
Editor's note: This piece has been modified to mirror that Rep. Ayanna Pressley represents Massachusetts.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com