Rep. Steve Cohen Ends Reelection Bid After Memphis District Redrawn
Rep. Steve Cohen said Friday, May 15, 2026, that he signed a document asking not to be on the ballot in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District Democratic primary, effectively ending his reelection bid.[1]
Cohen described the newly redrawn 9th District as "nothing like the 9th district that I've represented." Fox News His exit removes a 19-year incumbent from a Democratic primary that is scheduled for August 2026.[1]
The 9th District was redrawn ahead of the 2026 election, a change Cohen cited as the reason for his decision.[1] CBS News also reported his announcement earlier on Friday.[2]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, May 15, 2026, Rep. Steve Cohen said he had signed a document requesting not to be included on the ballot in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District Democratic primary; the announcement was reported by Rep. Steve Cohen.
- Cohen described the newly redrawn 9th District as "nothing like the 9th district that I've represented," a characterization cited in the Fox News story about his decision (newly redrawn 9th District).
- He is ending his reelection bid after 19 years in Congress, and the Democratic primary for the district is scheduled for August 2026.
- The report was published by Fox News under the headline "Longtime Democratic Rep Steve Cohen announces end to re-election bid" (Longtime Democratic Rep Steve Cohen announces end to re-election bid).
- Fox News timestamped the article Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10:34 AM (Central).
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
May 15, 2026
3:34 PM
Longtime Democratic Rep Steve Cohen announces end to re-election bid
New information:
- On Friday, May 15, 2026, Rep. Steve Cohen said he has signed a document requesting not to be included on the ballot in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District Democratic primary.
- Cohen described the newly redrawn 9th District as 'nothing like the 9th district that I've represented.'
- The article reiterates that the Democratic primary for the district is scheduled for August 2026 and notes Cohen is ending his reelection bid after 19 years in Congress.