U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen will no longer seek reelection, he announced from his Washington, D.C. office on May 15.
The longtime Memphis Democrat’s announcement came on the heels of Tennessee state Republicans’ recent gerrymander of the city, which carved Memphis into three different districts in the hope of eliminating Tennessee’s final Democratic stronghold.
Cohen’s plan to step out of the race and retire came with one exception: Should the courts restore District 9 to its previously drawn status for one more term, he said he would run again. But, if that does not happen, Cohen’s nearly two-decade career in Congress will come to an end this year.
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U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen speaks as part of a No Kings rally at Robert R. Church Park in Memphis, Tenn., on March 28, 2026.
Here’s what other elected leader had to say about Cohen’s annoucement.
Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari
Sen. Raumesh Akbari, a Memphis Democrat, said Cohen’s withdrawal from the congressional race meant the state lost “one of its fiercest champions for Memphis,” adding he was among the “most consequential” Tennessee public officials in history.
“Today, Tennessee loses one of its fiercest champions for Memphis and one of the most consequential public servants our state has ever known,” Akbari said in a press release.
“Congressman Steve Cohen has dedicated his life to serving Tennessee — and especially the people of Memphis. It is difficult to fully capture the depth of his impact. From overcoming polio as a child, to fighting for years to establish the Tennessee lottery so generations of students could access higher education, to securing hundreds of millions in federal investment for transformative projects like the new Memphis bridge, Steve Cohen’s fingerprints are all over the progress of our city and state.
Sen. Raumesh Akbari D- Memphis speaks during a joint Democratic caucus rally held on the first day of special session concerning redistricting at The Tennessee State Capitol Building in Nashville on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
“Across Memphis, you can see the results of his work. Across Tennessee, there are families with college degrees and expanded opportunities because he refused to give up on their future. He brought Memphis with him everywhere he went — proudly carrying our culture, our grit, our history and our voices to Washington. Whether cheering on the Grizzlies, fighting in the halls of Congress for our beloved city or welcoming visitors into his office with unmistakable Memphis pride, Congressman Cohen never stopped being deeply and authentically Memphian.
“And beyond the headlines and legislative victories, his constituent services have been second to none. Steve and his team have shown up time and time again for Memphis families in moments of need, often quietly and without fanfare.
“While I deeply disagree with the unfair redistricting process that led to this moment, nothing can erase Congressman Cohen’s legacy of service, advocacy and love for Memphis. Our city — and our state — are better because of him.
“Forever grateful for your leadership and service, Mr. Congressman.”
Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What Memphians said about Steve Cohen’s retirement from US Congress
