MEMPHIS, TN — The Working Families Party has announced its endorsement of State Representative Justin J. Pearson in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District (TN-09). 

Rep. Pearson received national attention in 2023 after he and two of his colleagues were unceremoniously expelled from the Tennessee House for demanding gun safety laws following a mass school shooting. He was reinstated by Shelby County officials and won his special election in a landslide with 94% of the vote. Now Rep. Pearson is running for Congress to bring that same conviction to Washington.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party (WFP). WFP’s mission aligns with my values, lived experience and fight for justice. I come from a family where we were financially poor but spiritually rich. The struggle to meet basic needs was real and shaped my family and me in profound ways. The WFP and I believe every family, regardless of race, nationality, or country of origin deserves to thrive, not just survive in the richest country on Earth. The wealth gap is unconscionable in our country. Too many families are struggling under crushing inflation and stagnant wages that have been inadequate for far too long,” said State Representative Justin J. Pearson. “I look forward to working with WFP to bring economic justice and relief to families in District 9 and across the state of Tennessee and our great nation. Their belief in our movement is a reminder that when we organize with courage, conviction, and love for our communities, we can build a future that leaves nobody behind.”

“Justin J. Pearson has shown us time and time again that he’s not afraid to stand up to corporate interests and entrenched power,” said Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. “Now he’s ready to bring that same fight to the halls of Congress. The Working Families Party couldn’t be prouder to throw its support behind Rep. Pearson and the people-powered campaign he’s building.”

TN-09 has become a flashpoint in the national fight over voting rights and racial gerrymandering. After the Louisiana vs. Callais ruling, Tennessee became the first state to answer Trump’s call and rig its maps in the GOP’s favor. They eliminated the state’s only majority-Black and Democratic district. The city of Memphis is now broken into three different districts, diluting Black voting power.

“During this critical moment in the South, with Black political power under attack and working families struggling to make ends meet, Rep. Justin J. Pearson is exactly the leader we need: a fighter with the courage and resolve to confront injustice, defend democracy, and build a future where everyday people have what they need to thrive,” said Britney Whaley, Southeast Regional Director of the Working Families Party. “Despite the targeted redrawing of his district, Rep. Pearson remains committed to ensuring Black Tennesseans and working families have a voice and fair representation in Congress. The Working Families Party is proud to support Rep. Pearson in a high-stakes race that will help shape the future of democracy and civil rights in America.” 

The Working Families Party has won a string of high-profile House and Senate primaries against better-funded opposition this cycle, most notably Randy Villegas (CA-22), Mai Vang (CA-7), Chris Rabb (PA-3), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), and Charles Booker (KY-Sen).

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