Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
44%
45%
TN-09 Democratic nominee?
$45.9K
AUG 7, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age31 years old (Jan 7, 1995)
GenderMale
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LocationTennessee
BackgroundState representative
EducationMitchell High School
Notable personal detailsJustin Jamal Pearson is a Democratic politician and activist who serves in the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 86 (Memphis/Shelby County). He has been active in environmental justice organizing, including work with Memphis Community Against Pollution, and gained national attention in 2023 as part of the “Tennessee Three.” In 2025, he launched a campaign for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District.
SourcesShowHide
wapp.capitol.tn.govfec.goven.wikipedia.orglinktr.eeapnews.compublications.tnsosfiles.comgilescountytn.govvotejustinj.comx.comdocquery.fec.govjusticedemocrats.comindivisible.orgworkingfamilies.orgdbpedia.orgmultistate.usbluevoterguide.orgeverything.explained.todayaxios.comlinkedin.comsalon.comchangetn.votemediaite.comtennesseelookout.comtennesseeconservativenews.comwashingtonpost.complannedparenthoodaction.orgsierraclub.orgclimateone.orgyahoo.comtime.comcommondreams.orgrep.biocookpolitical.comballotready.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgtheintercept.comfront.moveon.orgsunrisemovement.orgyoutube.comnashvillebanner.comactionnews5.comtheguardian.comcommercialappeal.comeenews.netabcnews.comtherealnews.comvox.comtexastribune.orgdemocraticleft.dsausa.orgzeteo.comtennessean.commshale.cominstagram.comvotesmart.orgwikidata.orgcongress.govdocs.house.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 updatedJul 15, 2026
Justin Pearson is in the news mainly for his congressional campaign in Tennessee, where he is running in a newly redrawn district after Republicans reshaped the map to weaken Memphis Democrats. He has picked up high-profile support, including public backing from Kamala Harris and an endorsement from Bernie Sanders. Pearson is also criticizing the federal task force in Memphis as officials review the fatal shooting of Tyrin Johnson by Tennessee National Guard members, with Democrats calling for more transparency.
wapp.capitol.tn.gov+57
Articles
SSSpokane Spokesman-Review2 months ago
Tennessee Republicans unveil new map that would dismantle lone Democratic seat
Negative
KNKnoxville News-Sentinel2 months ago
Kamala Harris tells Justin Pearson 'your fight is for America'
Positive
TIThe Intercept1 month ago
Bernie Sanders Backs House Hopeful Who Fought Tennessee Redistricting
Positive
TGThe Gateway Pundit2 months 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?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Public endorsement
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Justin Pearson in Tennessee's 9th District race.
Working Families Party
Public figure
Working Families Party endorsed Justin J. Pearson for Congress.
MoveOn
Public endorsement
MoveOn endorsed Justin J. Pearson for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District.
Indivisible
Public endorsement
Indivisible endorsed Justin J. Pearson in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District 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