Justin J. Pearson

Justin J. Pearson is a candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 86 Primary Election in 2026 in Tennessee State House District 86, Tennessee.

Incumbent State Representative in Memphis, TN

Also running: David Page.

Justin J. Pearson, a 30-year-old Democratic state representative from Memphis, Tennessee, is a prominent community organizer challenging U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen in the 2026 Democratic primary for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District. Born and raised in Memphis, he has a history of activism, from petitioning his school board at 15 for textbooks to leading the fight against an oil pipeline. He gained national attention as a state representative in 2023 when expelled for protesting gun violence, only to be quickly reelected. His platform includes affordable housing, gun legislation, federal funds to combat poverty/crime, Medicare for all, and supporting veterans. He also co-founded Memphis Community Against Pollution.