WASHINGTON — Tennessee Representative Steve Cohen was visibly emotional as he discussed his choice to step away from seeking reelection. This decision came in the wake of redistricting efforts that effectively closed off any realistic chance of retaining his seat.
Cohen, the lone Democrat representing Tennessee in Congress, voiced his frustration over the GOP-led overhaul of the state’s 9th district. This constituency, predominantly composed of minority voters, was altered in a manner Cohen described as detrimental to democratic principles.
“This situation deeply troubles me,” Cohen shared with Chris Cuomo on NewsNation Friday. “I don’t understand those who say I should stand and fight.”
“Why fight when the district has been reshaped in such a way that winning is impossible? That’s just illogical,” he elaborated.
Having served the Memphis-centered district since 2007, Cohen highlighted the unusual mid-decade redistricting trend impacting the nation this year, noting that such moves are “almost never done.”
He further alleged that Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who is set to retire, succumbed to pressure from former President Trump and Republican leaders in Washington to secure an additional House seat for their party.
Lee had signed the new map into effect on May 7, which sliced up the 9th District into three new Republican-leaning districts.
While discussing the ordeal, Cohen began to well up, something he acknowledged to Cuomo.
“It’s funny, my press conference today is the most cameras I think I’ve had since the Victoria incident. And here we are again. And I got tears,” the Tennessee Democrat reflected.
That’s a reference to the wild controversy in 2013 when it was revealed that a woman named Victoria Brink, whom he claimed was his biological daughter, was shown in a paternity test not to be his.
Cohen also reflected on the fact that he is a white man representing a black majority district. Republicans moved to carve it up in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s gutting of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
“I’ve got a great district, wonderful people. They’ve supported me so well,” the congressman said. “You know, it’s an amazing thing that the African-American community supported me for 20 years as they did.”
“And the Republicans don’t see it, and they just tear it apart because they have no perspective of caring about African-Americans or caring about people getting together and anything nice that happens. It’s a tough sport, and they play it tough.”
Tennessee’s primaries are slated for Aug. 6.
