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Sanford: Cohen-Pearson race will be a winner for political engagement

By , Daily Memphian Updated: October 23, 2025 4:00 AM CT | Published: October 23, 2025 4:00 AM CT
Otis Sanford
Daily Memphian

Otis Sanford

Otis Sanford is a political columnist, author and professor emeritus in Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis.

The political handwringing has started over what promises to be the most contested and closely watched race for the 9th District Congressional seat in nearly two decades.

But instead of angst, I see this as an optimistic moment for political engagement: A moment that could determine, once and for all, if it’s time to pass the baton from Baby Boomers to Millennials.

The combatants in this generational tug of war are 10-term incumbent Steve Cohen, who turned 76 last May, and state Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who turned 30 last January. Both men are as liberal as the day is long and share many of the same constituencies. Pearson even served as an intern for Cohen in the past.

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Subscriber Only Steve Cohen Justin J. Pearson 9th Congressional District

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