Opinion: For Democrats to succeed in Tennessee, ‘Do not despair. Get to work.’
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson speaks after the elections results came in for Tennessee 9th Congressional District on Nov. 3, 2026. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Jake Smith
Jake Smith is electoral coordinator for the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and a third generation Memphian.
“It’s true that Tennessee remains solidly red. Democracy takes work, and it requires everyone’s full engagement for it to survive and to flourish. This is a responsibility we all share.”
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