WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Indivisible announced its endorsement of Justin J. Pearson in the Democratic primary for Tennessee’s 9th congressional district. Justin J. Pearson is running 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.
The Supreme Court’s gutting of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act paved the way for these new maps — part of a broader effort to silence voters, entrench minority rule, and shield extremist politicians from accountability. As attacks on Black political power and multiracial democracy intensify, Indivisible’s 2026 primary program is focused on backing leaders prepared to confront authoritarianism directly, fight for communities too often pushed to the margins, and turn the page on failed leadership by supporting candidates who will fight, not fold, in the face of fascism.
“After the disastrous ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, Tennessee Republicans wasted no time going mask-off and advancing racist maps designed to dismantle Black political power in Memphis and entrench minority rule. From Alabama to Virginia, Louisiana to Tennessee, Republicans are attempting to strip power away from voters in a desperate effort to drag the South backward toward Jim Crow.
“Justin J. Pearson understands that democracy is not something you defend from the sidelines. From standing with the Tennessee Three to organizing alongside communities fighting environmental racism and corporate abuse, Justin has consistently fought for the people of Tennessee while rejecting corporate PAC money because he believes power should belong to working people — not billionaires or political machines. At a moment when our democracy is under coordinated attack, Indivisible is proud to endorse Justin J. Pearson because he is exactly the kind of bold, movement-driven leader this moment demands,” said Ezra Levin, Co-Executive Director of Indivisible.
“At a moment when Memphis is under attack through voter suppression, redistricting schemes, and nonstop attempts to silence Black political power, we are not interested in timid leadership or candidates who fold under pressure — we need fighters. That’s why we are standing with Justin J. Pearson. Justin has never been afraid to stand up for the people of Memphis, and he understands that neutrality in moments like this only helps those stripping rights away.
“Long before this campaign, Justin stood with communities fighting corporate pollution, defended the right to protest and dissent, and spoke out against fear, intimidation, and attacks on vulnerable communities. Now, as efforts to weaken Black voting power escalate, he is once again on the front lines fighting to protect the political voice of Memphis. In every one of these battles, Justin has shown that leadership is not about hiding behind statements — it is about showing up, taking risks, and standing with the people when it matters most,” said Jessica Miller & Sandy Edwards, Co-Leaders of Indivisible Memphis.
Indivisible endorsements start and end with the grassroots. Indivisible National is only endorsing candidates who are first endorsed by a local Indivisible group, and who receive supermajority support of Indivisible members in the district/state. No candidate who receives campaign donations from AIPAC, crypto, or the other funders of fascism is eligible for an Indivisible endorsement. All endorsed candidates represent a break with failed, status quo Democratic Party leadership and commit to driving toward a true opposition party in 2026 and beyond.
Indivisible Memphis in Tennessee’s 9th congressional district formally endorsed Justin J. Pearson and recommended him to Indivisible for our national endorsement.
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.
Indivisible is endorsing Justin J. Pearson in the TN-09 Congressional race today. Previously, Indivisible has endorsed Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race, Julia Gonzales in the Colorado Senate race, Peggy Flanagan in the Minnesota Senate race, Brad Lander in the NY-10 Congressional race, Dr. Jasmine Clark in the GA-13 Congressional race, Robert Peters in the IL-02 Congressional race, Analilia Mejia in the NY-11 Congressional race, and Randy Villegas in the CA-22 Congressional race this cycle.
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.