Live results: Justin Pearson will win Democratic primary in Tennessee’s redrawn 9th District, CNN projects

By David Wright, Katie Doran, CNN

(CNN) — State Rep. Justin Pearson will win the Democratic nomination for Tennessee’s newly redrawn 9th District, CNN’s Decision Desk projects, after Republican lawmakers pushed through a new congressional map earlier this year that split the current Memphis-based seat into three separate districts that favor the GOP.

Pearson, one of three Tennessee lawmakers who drew national attention in 2023 when Republicans in the state legislature moved to expel them following a gun control protest, will face GOP state Sen. Brent Taylor in the general election.

Thursday’s primaries also determined the general election matchup in the race for governor in the deep-red state, with CNN projecting that GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn will face Democratic Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green in the fall.

Also on the ballot are House races being run under the new Republican-drawn congressional map aimed at delivering the GOP a clean sweep of the state’s nine districts in November.

In the 5th District, Trump-backed US Rep. Andy Ogles is facing a primary challenge from former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. Democrats are hoping a favorable national political environment along with a strong potential candidate in Chaz Molder, the mayor of Columbia, and a series of controversies swirling around Ogles could potentially put the seat in play.

See the results below:

A member of the ‘Tennessee Three’ faces stiff odds in redrawn district

The 9th District race serves as a case study in mid-decade redistricting and how quickly it can transform electoral dynamics.

As part of a national wave of partisan redistricting kicked off by Texas Republicans last summer, GOP state lawmakers approved a new congressional map in May, breaking up the Black-majority district centered on Memphis, the state’s lone Democratic seat, to favor Republicans. The move prompted US Rep. Steve Cohen, who has held the seat for nearly 20 years, to announce he would not seek reelection.

Pearson, who defeated state Sen. London Lamar in the primary, gained national prominence in 2023 as part of the “Tennessee Three.” He was expelled from the legislature but ultimately reinstated.

He now advances to a general election facing stiff odds in the new 9th District, as Democrats hope to overcome the transformed political landscape.

Pearson will face Taylor, a fellow state legislator who has aligned himself closely with President Donald Trump, describing his campaign as “ironclad impeachment insurance.”

Taylor’s bid was bolstered by Trump’s support and that of Tennessee’s two Republican senators, Blackburn and Bill Hagerty.

Blackburn defeats Rose

Blackburn’s win Thursday positions her to become the first female governor of the reliably red state.

Blackburn, who has represented Tennessee in the state legislature and US Congress since the 1990s, defeated Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts. She entered the race as a heavy favorite to succeed GOP Gov. Bill Lee, who is term-limited, but she faced unexpected pressure in its home stretch.

With President Donald Trump declining to endorse in the race, Blackburn touted her support for his agenda. She took flak from Rose, however, over her vote to certify former President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory and her refusal to debate.

Despite the headwinds, Blackburn prevailed and looks set to add to her lengthy resume in Tennessee politics, advancing to a general election where she’s favored to hold the governor’s office for Republicans.

Democrats select a nominee for governor

In a state that President Donald Trump won by almost 30 points in 2024, Green will likely face a steep uphill battle against Blackburn.

She campaigned on ending Tennessee’s grocery tax, increasing funding for public schools and eliminating medical debt for thousands of people.

Green began her career as a juvenile public defender and currently serves as Shelby County’s interim chief public defender, a role she took on at the start of 2026. On public safety, Green has emphasized a rehabilitative approach to justice and the importance of ensuring fair courtroom representation.

Seen as the front-runner throughout the primary, Green defeated activist Carnita Atwater and pastor Kevin Lee McCants to secure the party nomination.

The-CNN-Wire
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This headline and story have been updated with additional projections.