Justin Pearson leads the TN-09 Democratic primary market following U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen’s May 2026 withdrawal from the race in the newly redrawn district. Redistricting split the longtime Memphis-centered seat, prompting Cohen’s retirement after two decades and removing the primary obstacle for challengers. Pearson, a state representative known for high-profile activism, quickly consolidated support among Democratic voters and expanded outreach across the district’s extended footprint into Middle Tennessee. DeVante Hill, a community activist, maintains a smaller but visible share amid a field that also includes London Lamar. The August 6 primary remains the resolution trigger, with trader positioning reflecting Pearson’s early organizational and polling advantages in the open contest.