Rep. Steve Cohen Says Tennessee's Insane New Maps Would Destroy the Black Community's Voice

There's a special session at the Tennessee State Capitol on Thursday, and things are getting rowdy as Democrats rail against the new proposed congressional district map. As we reported earlier, State Rep. Justin Pearson of the "Tennessee Three" got in the face of state troopers who were removing his brother from the chamber, screaming racial slurs and dropping F-bombs.

Rep. Steve Cohen, a white man, currently represents Memphis, and he's calling the new map "insane" and charging that it's a "blatant, corrupt power grab" that would destroy the black community's voice.

This is insane.

The GOP's newly proposed TN Congressional maps would have people in Shelby County all the way to Williamson County—200+ miles apart—being "represented" by the same Congressman.

It's a blatant, corrupt power grab that would destroy the Black community's and our… https://t.co/fBZu6Lf8sj
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) May 6, 2026

A proposed Community Note reads that "Tennessee's 7th congressional district from 2003-2013, drawn under Democratic control, also connected parts of Shelby County to Williamson County over 200 miles apart."

Put the chicken in the bucket. pic.twitter.com/6oCQV2XPSV
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 6, 2026

That map is finger-lickin good. pic.twitter.com/EfgCRqPnWX
— Blue State Snooze (@BlueSnoozeBlue) May 6, 2026

Are you the current voice of the black community?
— 100 Proof 🥃 (@ChampionCapua) May 6, 2026

Cry more, bitch.
— JWF (@JammieWF) May 7, 2026

You're just mad you will be out of a job.
— Frank フランク (@richardrahl1086) May 6, 2026

"The GOP's proposed TN maps would have people in Shelby all the way to Williamson —200+ miles apart—being "represented" by the same Congressman."

Oh my God...really?!?

Know how far apart Baton Rouge & Shreveport are, Steve?

246 miles.

I guess...That's (D)ifferent. pic.twitter.com/rOG1U7Ffeg
— The Middle Aged Baby (@MiddleAgedBaby2) May 6, 2026