Steve Cohen (TN-9)

Biography

Steve Cohen , a Democrat, has represented Tennessee's 9th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2007. Born on May 24, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, he is a fourth-generation Memphian, lawyer, and politician who overcame childhood polio, instilling values of persistence that shaped his legislative career. He is Tennessee's first Jewish congressman and, since 2023, the only Democrat in the state's congressional delegation. Cohen is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has a strong record advocating for civil rights, women's rights, gender equality, education, health care, criminal justice, veterans' issues, and animal welfare.

Notable achievements include passing a state resolution in 1984 creating one of America's first Holocaust Commissions; securing over $76 million in federal funding for his district and a $530 million disproportionate share hospital allotment for Tennessee; and leading efforts on infrastructure and community projects like the $3 million restoration of Historic Melrose High School.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- Bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University

- Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis School of Law

Political Experience:

- Delegate and Vice-President, Tennessee Constitutional Convention

- Shelby County Commissioner

- Tennessee State Senator , where he served 24 years and championed issues like a state lottery amendment after 20 years of effort

- U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee's 9th District