Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
44%
45%
TN-09 Democratic nominee?
$24.4K
AUG 7, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age31 years old (Jan 7, 1995)
GenderMale
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LocationTennessee
BackgroundState representative
EducationMitchell High School
Notable personal detailsJustin J. Pearson is an American politician and activist who serves as a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 86 (Memphis). He has worked as an environmental justice advocate and helped co-found Memphis Community Against Pollution. In 2026, he is a candidate for the U.S. House in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govwapp.capitol.tn.goven.wikipedia.orgvotejustinj.comapnews.comjusticedemocrats.comcoinbase.comarchive.phpolymarket.comwlrn.orglines.comciviclens.netaxios.comanalysis.limitedgov.orgabcnews.go.comtnreportcard.orgpublications.tnsosfiles.comthefreedomindex.orgnashville.govsalon.comnewspressnow.comsmartcitymemphis.combowdoin.edutennesseelookout.comwashingtonpost.complannedparenthoodaction.orgwpln.orgclimateone.orgmlk50.comnbcnews.comcookpolitical.comactionnews5.comballotready.orgnashvillescene.comelections2024.thehill.comamp.cnn.comnodeassets.nbcnews.comstatic.politico.comnewscms.nbcnews.comdocquery.fec.govncsl.orgcongress.govcohen.house.govgovinfo.govhouse.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Justin Pearson supports progressive economic policies including higher taxes on billionaires and wealthy individuals, expanding social programs such as Medicare for All and a higher federal minimum wage, and using corporate tax/revenue to fund community investments and address poverty and environmental harms. He has criticized tax breaks for large corporations and argued for reinvesting corporate tax revenue into historically disinvested neighborhoods.
Healthcare
Supports healthcare as a human right and endorses expansive federal solutions including Medicare-for-All and expanded coverage; advocates reversing state-level refusals to expand Medicaid and increasing access to care. Positions emphasize universal access, protection/strengthening of Medicare and Medicaid, and affordability.
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Immigration & Border
Supports dismantling or significant rollback of aggressive immigration enforcement (including criticism of ICE) and opposes laws or deployments that expand state/local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; frames immigration enforcement as harmful to immigrant communities and civil rights.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports protecting abortion rights and opposes legislation that would significantly restrict access to abortion. Emphasizes reproductive rights as an important issue for his district and has opposed state bills that would limit abortion access.
Climate & Energy
Justin J. Pearson is an environmental and climate justice activist who has led opposition to local fossil fuel infrastructure and advocates accelerating climate action and protecting communities from pollution. His record includes co-founding a local climate justice organization, opposing an oil pipeline through Memphis, and receiving recognition from national environmental groups for that work.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports significant gun policy changes including banning assault weapons, expanding background checks, and other gun-safety reforms; has led and participated in protests and legislative efforts calling for stricter gun laws. Advocates for measures aimed at reducing gun violence and has introduced or supported bills challenging permissive gun policies in Tennessee.
Polls
TN-09 Democratic nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
TN-09 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Justin Pearson for TN-09 Democratic nominee?
Justice Democrats
Public figure
Justice Democrats endorsed Justin Pearson in his 2025 challenge to Rep. Steve Cohen.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$1.1M
$829.7K
$553.1K
$276.6K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$1.1M
$387.9K
$718.4K
$47.9K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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