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New TN Map Splitting Memphis Debuts 08/06 06:32
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- A new Tennessee congressional map that carved up a
majority Black district in Memphis is making its electoral debut Thursday in a
primary election that will determine the nominees for a Republican attempt at a
clean sweep of the state's U.S. House districts in the midterms.
The primaries were upended just three months before the vote when the
Republican-led Legislature redrew congressional districts following a U.S.
Supreme Court ruling that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protection for
minorities. President Donald Trump cheered the redistricting as part of a
national plan to try to help Republicans hold on to their slim House majority.
Trump has endorsed state Sen. Brent Taylor in the four-person Republican
primary for the significantly reshaped 9th Congressional District, which now
stretches about 200 miles (320 kilometers) east from Memphis before reaching
north toward the Nashville area. The district, which previously favored
Democrats, now tilts toward Republicans, and some Memphis voters have raised
concerns that their representation has been diminished.
After the redistricting, longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen announced
that he would no longer seek reelection in the 9th District. Cohen's primary
challenger, Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson, then was joined by state Sen.
London Lamar in what became a four-person contest.
Pearson gained national attention in 2023 when he was expelled by the
Republican-led state House for protesting in support of gun control measures
following a deadly school shooting in Nashville. Memphis voters later reelected
him.
Republicans currently hold eight of the state's nine congressional seats.
Memphis voters voice dismay over redistricting
For decades Memphis, the most populous city in Shelby County, formed the
base of its own congressional district. Now the county is split among three
districts that extend outward like spokes into rural areas.
Lonzo Taylor, a retired postal worker and military veteran, said Black
voters like himself have had their voices diluted.
"We only had one district in the whole state of Tennessee, and you don't
even want that to be fair? It's just terrible," said Taylor, 72. "I love this
state, but I am very disappointed in our governor," who called lawmakers into a
special session for the redistricting.
Milla Meiman, 23, who voted early in the Democratic primary, said she did
not realize the congressional map had changed until receiving a letter about it
in the mail.
"It's a drastic change to have your district sort of switched around like
that," said Meiman, who works part time at an ice cream shop and public
library. Meiman added: "I think it's a voter suppression tactic."
Terrice Thomas, 45, an educator who votes for Democrats, had to learn a lot
more about the candidates when she got switched from District 9 to District 8.
She is concerned Memphis constituents could get overlooked.
"Is everybody going to have an equal say on what's happening in their
communities or even the people that you're voting for?" Thomas said. "Are they
going to really take into account the different areas and what makes us unique?"
Congressman Ogles facing a GOP challenger in the 5th District
The cracking apart of Memphis sent ripples throughout the state, also
significantly reshaping the 5th Congressional District held by Republican Rep.
Andy Ogles, a conservative Freedom Caucus member who is seeking reelection and
was endorsed by Trump.
He faces a primary challenge from Charlie Hatcher, a former state
agriculture commissioner under Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who has endorsed
Hatcher for Congress.
Previously centered on Nashville and central Tennessee, the district now
extends to the northwest corner of the state before snaking south along the
Mississippi River to Memphis. Along the way it touches the borders of Kentucky,
Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi.
Ogles has faced controversy. His cellphone was seized by the FBI in 2024 as
part of an investigation into his campaign finance reporting. But the Justice
Department recently agreed to return the device, signaling that it was
abandoning the probe, which began under the Biden administration.
On the Democratic side, the five-way primary features Columbia Mayor Chaz
Molder, who has continued to run in the reshaped district despite being drawn
out of it.
Candidates vie for an open Republican House seat in the 6th District
Republican U.S. Rep. John Rose is forgoing reelection in the 6th District to
run for governor instead. That created a contentious primary for the
Republican-leaning district, which stretches east from Nashville.
The four Republican candidates include state Rep. Johnny Garrett and Rose's
recent chief of staff, former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary, who served eight years in
Congress before losing a gubernatorial bid in 2002. Five Democrats also are
seeking the seat.
Voters also pick candidates for governor and Senate
Rose and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn are among three Republicans and five
Democrats running to succeed Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who is barred by term
limits from seeking reelection. Blackburn, who won her second six-year Senate
term in 2024, would have to give the seat up if elected.
Republicans have held the governor's office since 2011 and won every U.S.
Senate election since 1994. Sen. Bill Hagerty is unopposed in this year's
Republican primary, though numerous Democrats and independents are battling for
the chance to challenge him.
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