WASHINGTON, D.C. — In May, Indivisible Memphis formally endorsed Justin J. Pearson and recommended him to Indivisible for our national endorsement. Shortly after, Indivisible endorsed Justin J. Pearson to represent the newly redrawn district after Tennessee Republicans, emboldened by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, eliminated the state’s only majority-Black congressional district and opened the door to a new wave of racially discriminatory gerrymandering.
As attacks on Black political power and multiracial democracy intensify, voters are demanding a Democratic Party willing to fight back. That demand is shaping the future of the party — and it starts in the primaries with candidates like Justin J. Pearson.
Today, Justin J. Pearson won his primary to officially become the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 9th congressional district.
Justin J. Pearson’s success in the primary is a major victory for working people in Tennessee’s 9th congressional district and for voters demanding a new generation of Democratic leadership. From standing with the Tennessee Three to organizing alongside communities fighting environmental racism as he fights against Elon Musk’s AI data center and corporate abuse, Justin has consistently fought for the people of Tennessee while rejecting corporate PAC money. The voters have made clear that it is time for elected officials who represent them.
“In Tennessee’s 9th congressional district, voters sent a clear message that the future belongs to leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and fight for working people. By nominating Justin J. Pearson, Democrats embraced a new generation of leadership — one prepared to take on powerful interests and meet this moment with the courage and urgency it demands.
“Through his career of public service and proven commitment to his community, Justin J. Pearson has shown voters that he is a proven leader that is ready to put people over politics. At a time when too many elected officials have been content to protect entrenched interests, Justin has consistently fought for the people of Tennessee while rejecting AI, Crypto, and AIPAC money because he believes power should belong to working people — not billionaires or political machines. Voters in Tennessee’s 9th congressional district made their voices heard and chose Justin’s vision over an opponent that continues to prioritize special interest over the people of Tennessee. We are proud to stand with Justin J. Pearson as he delivers the representation Tennesseans deserve,” said Ezra Levin, Co-Executive Director of Indivisible.
Indivisible’s 2026 Primary Program
Last November, after Senate Democrats’ surrendered and voted to end the 41-day government shutdown without securing any commitments to lower health care costs or protect working families, Indivisible announced its largest primary program in the movement’s history. This program aims to turn the page on the failed leadership of Democrats like Senator Schumer, and identify and support fighters who will challenge feckless incumbents — to fight, not fold, in the face of fascism.
Justin joins other Indivisible-endorsed candidates who have successfully won primaries and will be the Democratic nominee the general election this November, including:
- Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race
- Will Lawrence and Donovan McKinney in the MI-07 and MI-13 Congressional races
- Brad Lander and Darializa Avila Chevalier in the NY-10 and NY-13 Congressional races
- Analilia Mejia in the NJ-11 Congressional race
- Randy Villegas in the CA-22 Congressional race
- Dr. Jasmine Clark in the GA-13 Congressional race
Indivisible will continue to work with local groups to support additional candidates in competitive primaries across the country. In the coming months, Indivisible will direct its network of activists, volunteers, and resources to help these endorsed candidates win their primaries, scaling phone banks, text programs, and canvassing efforts to unprecedented levels for the 2026 cycle.
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Indivisible Action (PAC) channels grassroots energy into electing progressive candidates who will work towards an inclusive democracy that provides for the needs of all people. Indivisible Action provides tools, training and strategic guidance to local Indivisible groups as they flex their electoral power. Indivisible Action also makes its own endorsements of federal and gubernatorial candidates, grounded in endorsements made by local Indivisible activists.