Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
44%
45%
Democrat
Justin Pearson
Democrat
Justin Pearson
TN-09 Democratic nominee?
$25.5K
AUG 7, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age31 years old (Jan 7, 1995)
GenderMale
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LocationTennessee
BackgroundPolitician
EducationBowdoin College (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsJustin Jamal Pearson is an American activist and Democratic politician who has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 86th district since 2023. He is a co-founder of Memphis Community Against Pollution and gained national attention in 2023 after being expelled and then reappointed to the Tennessee House following a gun-violence protest. Pearson is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee’s 9th congressional district in the 2026 election cycle. He earned a B.A. from Bowdoin College.
SourcesShowHide
fec.goven.wikipedia.orgciclt.netjusticedemocrats.comlinkedin.comtirrcvotes.orgpolymarket.comvpm.orglines.comcaa.comintegrityindex.uswkms.orgnotus.orgpublications.tnsosfiles.comdocquery.fec.govelectionsshelbytn.govcapitol.tn.govsalon.comvotejustinj.comchangetn.votemediaite.comtennesseelookout.comapnews.comtennesseeconservativenews.comwashingtonpost.complannedparenthoodaction.orgsierraclub.orgclimateone.orgyahoo.comtime.comaxios.comcommondreams.orgrep.biocookpolitical.comballotready.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgworkingfamilies.orgindivisible.orgsunrisemovement.orgabcnews.go.comtheintercept.comactionnews5.comcommercialappeal.comtheguardian.comabcnews.compolitico.comrollcall.comtennessean.comreutersconnect.comnytimes.comrmpbs.orginstagram.comfacebook.comx.comnbcnews.comhouse.govcongress.govcohen.house.govvotesmart.orgdocs.house.govgovinfo.govcbc.house.govtransition.fec.govclerk.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports higher taxes on the very wealthy (including a billionaire tax) and higher taxes on large capital gains and incomes for the ultra-rich to fund expanded social programs; supports policies to raise workers’ incomes such as a higher federal minimum wage and Medicare for All.
Healthcare
Supports Medicare for All and policies to expand healthcare access. The campaign platform lists healthcare as a priority and explicitly calls for Medicare for All.
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Immigration & Border
Supports dismantling or major reform of current federal immigration enforcement agencies (including calling to abolish ICE and replace current Border Patrol), emphasizes protecting immigrants and opposing increased local/state enforcement measures. Advocates for approaches prioritizing immigrant rights and limiting enforcement expansion.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports protecting abortion and reproductive rights and opposes Tennessee’s restrictive reproductive-health laws; has emphasized changing state law to protect victims of sexual violence and has voted against legislation that would further restrict access to abortion and gender-affirming care.
Climate & Energy
Justin J. Pearson is an environmental justice advocate who has led efforts to block fossil-fuel infrastructure in Memphis, fought a proposed crude oil pipeline, and opposed new gas-turbine permits that would increase local air pollution. His public statements and awards emphasize climate justice, clean air and water, and support for policies and actions that limit fossil-fuel projects in frontline communities.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong gun safety measures including banning or restricting assault-style weapons, repealing permitless carry, expanding extreme risk protection orders, and other regulatory steps to reduce gun violence. Has sponsored or introduced legislation on assault-weapon bans, ERPOs (red flag laws), and repeal of permitless carry and has been a prominent participant in gun-control protests.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJun 22, 2026
Justin Pearson is running for Congress in Tennessee’s newly redrawn Memphis-area district, where Republicans’ new map has put his campaign in the middle of a major redistricting fight. He has drawn high-profile support, including public backing from Kamala Harris and an endorsement from Bernie Sanders. The map changes and related lawsuits could affect the race and the district’s voting power, and Pearson is likely to face Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor in November.
fec.gov+63
Articles
SSSpokane Spokesman-Review2 months ago
Tennessee Republicans unveil new map that would dismantle lone Democratic seat
Negative
KNKnoxville News-Sentinel28 days ago
Kamala Harris tells Justin Pearson 'your fight is for America'
Positive
TIThe Intercept6 days ago
Bernie Sanders Backs House Hopeful Who Fought Tennessee Redistricting
Positive
TGThe Gateway Pundit1 month ago
FURIOUS Democrats in Tennessee Demand SECESSION of Memphis from the State in Epic MELTDOWN After Republicans Erase Last Race-Based Democrat Stronghold
Neutral
Polls
TN-09 Democratic nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
TN-09 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Justin Pearson for TN-09 Democratic nominee?
Working Families Party
Public figure
Working Families Party endorsed Justin J. Pearson for Congress.
Indivisible Tennessee
Public figure
Indivisible Tennessee endorsed Justin J. Pearson for Congress in Tennessee's 9th District.
Indivisible
Public endorsement
Indivisible endorsed Justin J. Pearson in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District.
Justice Democrats
Public figure
Justice Democrats endorsed Justin Pearson for Congress in Tennessee's 9th District.
Leaders We Deserve
Public figure
Leaders We Deserve endorsed Justin Pearson and pledged $1 million for his primary race.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$1.1M
$829.7K
$553.1K
$276.6K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$1.1M
$387.9K
$718.4K
$47.9K
Source: FEC