Memphis GOP wins congressional flip

State Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, is projected to win Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in a race that marks a historic shift for the Memphis area.

The district has been controlled by Democrats for nearly 60 years. The change follows a redistricting effort by state Republicans that altered the boundaries of Memphis' congressional district. A recent Supreme Court ruling allowed state lawmakers to redraw the majority-Black voting bloc, a move previously restricted under the Voting Rights Act.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat, withdrew from the race after the map changes. Taylor faced state Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, in the general election. The contest became contentious after reports in October revealed Taylor had sent unsolicited nude photos to multiple individuals.

Despite the news, Taylor claimed victory over Pearson. As of this morning, the Associated Press has not officially called the race. Reporting indicates Taylor leads by just over one percentage point. Pearson has not conceded and stated he will wait for the official certification of the results.

Taylor, 58, described the sexting scandal as a youthful indiscretion. He asked voters to separate the personal matter from his policy positions. "Tennesseans are not interested in the pain that is occurring in my family; they're more interested in the pain that occurs in their family," Taylor said.

The campaign featured aggressive advertising from both sides. Taylor's ads labeled Pearson a radical Democratic Socialist, a designation Pearson does not hold. The ads included footage of a 2025 altercation between Pearson and state Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville. The dispute began after Farmer criticized Pearson for missing legislative sessions following the death of his brother, Tim. The ads also showed Pearson arguing with state troopers during the arrest of his brother, KeShaun, over a redistricting protest.

Taylor also won re-election to his state Senate seat. His victory in the congressional race will trigger a special election to fill the open state legislature position.