MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee state Rep. Justin J. Pearson lost his bid for Congress Tuesday night, Nov. 3, to Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor in the race for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District.
According to Associated Press election-night results cited by theGrio, Taylor received 65.68% of the vote, compared with 32.21% for Pearson, a Democrat.
The election marked a significant political shift in a district represented by Democrat Steve Cohen since 2007. Cohen’s retirement created an open seat, according to Memphis television station ABC24 (WATN).
Pearson, 31, gained national recognition in 2023 as a member of the “Tennessee Three,” a group of Democratic lawmakers who participated in gun reform demonstrations at the state Capitol following the deadly Covenant School shooting in Nashville.
Pearson and fellow Democratic Rep. Justin Jones were subsequently expelled from the Tennessee House by Republican lawmakers. Both eventually returned to the legislature, with Pearson winning reelection.
During his congressional campaign, Pearson emphasized economic opportunity, higher wages, expanded health care access and gun violence prevention. His platform also included environmental protections and opposition to the expansion of large data centers, according to theGrio.
Pearson’s campaign attracted national attention and support from prominent Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.
The race followed Republican-led redistricting approved in May 2026 that significantly changed the boundaries of the historically Democratic, majority-Black congressional district and improved Republican electoral prospects.
Taylor’s victory puts the redrawn 9th Congressional District in Republican hands after nearly two decades of Democratic representation.
