Tennessee's 9th Congressional District: Read our Q&A with Democratic primary candidates
Early voting for the state and federal primary races is underway in Tennessee with multiple contested primary elections for Shelby County voters. Four Democrats are vying to be the party nominee in the November election for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District.
The district encompasses portions of Shelby County and Tipton County. The district has been held by incumbent Democrat Rep. Steve Cohen since he was first elected to the seat in 2006. Only one Republican, Charlotte Bergman, qualified for the ballot and will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November.
Early voting runs through July 27 and election day will be on Aug. 1.
The Commercial Appeal reached out to all candidates and asked a series of questions to inform voters.
Candidate responses have been put in the order and with the name spelling they will appear on the ballot.
Some edits have been made to responses for formatting and clarity. Candidates whose photos are not included did not submit photos to The CA.
M Latroy A-Williams
Q: Why are you running for this office?
A: Memphis economic performance has been behind that of other major Tennessee metros, dropping 40 positions to #175 out of 200 big cities in the Milken Institute's 2024 Best-Performing big Cities report. Despite recent expenditures like St. Jude's expansion and Ford's Blue Oval City initiative, Memphis still faces significant poverty rates and economic inequities. Memphis has decreased from the sixth biggest city in the United States to roughly the 14th or 18th largest now, suggesting a lack of effective growth and development under the current administration.
The significant amount of money that flows through Congress serves the objective of advancing this city in areas that are deemed successful such as the environmental, social, and economic sectors. The current administration, which has dominated this city and county for more than a decade, And because of the severe neglect this district has faced repeatedly, it is my civic and moral duty to run for this position in order for Memphis to thrive and grow.
Q: What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?
A: In order for Memphis to Grow we have to liberate Memphis residents from the bonds of extreme poverty, crime, and a lack of leadership. A congressman must have the expertise to implement and support high-quality education, economic development, mental health, sustainable transportation, and thriving economic prosperity. I have experience in education, professional development, business economics, music and entertainment, computer technology, journalism, law, and communications. All necessary components for a congressman to ensure success in the communities they represent. It is time to restore Memphis' reputation as a flourishing progressive city.
These abilities qualify me to be a member of Congress, where I can oversee a vast number of funding and design successful change through ethical resource allocation. My goal is to support communities through the lens of public health, which will allow me to support all communities, with a focus on those who are struggling and require finances and other resources to thrive by identifying underlying causes and implementing effective solutions.
Q: If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
A: The top three primary issues that I will begin to work on are economic development to improve people's quality of life, education to ensure that public education is protected and receive the funding needed to provide and ignite opportunities so that youth can be career, college, and job ready, and providing high-quality updated curriculum and apprenticeship programs in every school in the Memphis Shelby County School District. and crime. Crime is generated by the traumas of lack of resources and equitable resource allocation, and my aims are to make sure that every person in Memphis is taken care of, in those areas that their voting rights are restored, and that we build trauma-based solutions for all communities.
Q: What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
A: Memphis has long relied on the trickle-down principle, and the congressional seat has the power to overrule and address all of the issues at hand. When I walk out into the community, I notice that all of the complications and challenges have one thing in common: a lack of resources, particularly in the black community of Memphis. We look around and notice the obvious discrimination that our district has faced in certain parts of the district, and locals are concerned because the 9th district is like night and day.
We believe that all communities should have an equal opportunity to live a high-quality life. It is unethical and it is devastating to see that the majority of the 9th congressional district appears to have withered and stagnated for more than a decade. It is not wrong that the 9th district is impoverished, crime-ridden, and in a deplorable state as a result of the current administration's disregard of its citizens. And voters would for me to continue to uphold my ethics, and values in Congress because I have spent years defending and assisting our communities and will continue to do so.
Q: How will you approach the needs of the constituents you represent in Congress?
A: To be an ethical and efficient congressman. I will prioritize the community in every decision-making process that I will face, and I will guarantee that openness exists within the community. I want to hold bi-weekly town hall meetings to gather thoughts and concerns from the community, ensuring their involvement at all stages of the process. We must collaborate to implement policies and laws that reduce crime, eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and improve people's health and well-being. I'll also appear on local media to answer questions and be a support system constituents I plan to utilize mail and email to provide important community information. To be an ethical and efficient congressman.
Q: What are the three most pressing issues of your district? How do you plan to address them?
A: Economic Development: With the correct representation in Congress, we can reclaim our place on the map. The goal is to increase possibilities for small businesses and black-owned businesses statewide to enhance access to contracts and funding, and provide supervision to assure justice and equity. Also, I want to invest and create high quality apprenticeship program that combines labor and training for all citizens including hard-to-hire persons. In addition, Mud Island will be transformed into an International Trade Center, creating 20,000 new jobs paying between $35 and $350 per hour. Converting President Island into Green Jobs Operations that promote and make available green jobs and clean energy job prospects. An initiative like this will bring Memphis and free our communities, creating opportunities for our community.
Transportation: Transportation is one of the most significant resources on this planet, providing an economic, social, and educational benefit to humanity. Transportation can facilitate access to all resources. I will create a sustainable transit light rail system with clean technology for Memphis and Shelby County to reduce carbon footprint and use cutting-edge, resilient renewable energy technology to power transportation networks. Passengers will have access to transportation at all times in addition we will provide access to routes to deliver passengers to major cities and Capitals in Tennessee including: Nashville, Jackson, Knoxville, and surrounding areas: West Memphis and Little Rock, (Arkansas) and create 20,000 new jobs in Memphis and in the Mid-South from this transit project.
Crime prevention: Part of preventing crime involves identifying the underlying reasons and implementing effective solutions, which can be accomplished by providing access to resources. In addition, reducing recidivism through better training and education opportunities for all citizens including soon to be released prisoners and felons as well as fully funded implementing a high quality drug rehabilitation treatment and mental health programs for all. Also I will work to restore voting rights and expand job opportunities for convicted felons.
Q: What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
A: My family and I are committed to advancing our community in the areas of education, law, technology, economic development and public health. Our two daughters graduated from Harvard University which I am very proud of. I have two girls and a son who share my primary principles of enhancing people's quality of life. I assisted in electing one of my daughters and my son to the State Democratic Committee. They advocated for legislation that exempt seniors from paying property taxes and supported all communities to improve our community. I have vast experience in the fields of business, economics, entertainment, education, the environment, and social services. and it is critical to vote for change and a congressman who will always prioritize the community and enhance people's quality of life.
Steve Cohen (incumbent)
Q: Why are you running for this office?
A: I’ve served the public for most of my adult life and represented Tennessee’s 9th District in Congress for 18 years. I get better every year. My seniority and experience are invaluable for our district.
Q: What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?
A: I’ve served Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District since 2006 and served in the Tennessee State Senate for 24 years before that. I do not simply aspire to bring high-paying jobs and affordable housing to our community, stand up for the rights of the poor, women, people of color, children, and students and workers ― I have a done it, and I plan to continue.
Q: If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
A: Codifying Roe vs Wade to restore the rights stolen away from our nation’s women by the Supreme Court, providing our city with the resources to bring crime under control, and protecting our democracy from all who would undermine it.
Q: What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
A: Most tell me they would like me to keep doing what I am doing ― serving as their voice in Washington, DC as I fight for economic justice, equality under the law, and a safe city for their children.
Q: How will you approach the needs of the constituents you represent in Congress?
A: The same way I have since the beginning of my time in Congress ― by providing top-notch constituent services in my Memphis office and learning what my constituents need so I can do my job better.
Q: What are the three most pressing issues of your district? How do you plan to address them?
A: Poverty, crime, and inflation. I will, as I always have, work to bring projects to the 9th District and law enforcement funds to our community. I proudly supported President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which not only reduced inflation but also made corporations pay closer to their fair share in taxes, reduced the cost of prescription drugs, most notably insulin, and provided some of the most significant climate change reforms in this nation’s history.
Q: What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
A: When I was a Shelby County Commissioner and the MED (Now Regional One) was proposed, I proudly cast the deciding vote. When I had the idea to create a state lottery and use the proceeds to fund college education for the children of our community, I traveled to every corner of this state to make it happen. When healthcare was treated as a privilege only for those who could afford it, I worked with President Barack Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Chuck Schumer to pass the Affordable Care Act and passed another bill to make sure the MED was properly compensated for caring for out-of-state patients. I’ve served through the COVID crisis and sheltered along with my colleagues to survive the January 6th Trump Insurrection. With your support, I will help write this next chapter in our nation’s history.
Kasandra Smith
Q: Why are you running for this office?
A: I not only understand the issues at the heart of my community but also the role of government, which is to serve the people. There are countless unheard voices in our city that are hurting, deflated, and uncertain of who to trust as it relates to withstanding the pressure while not being afraid to labor in the trenches for the common good of the people. This level of uncertainty and doubt should not be perceived as the “new normal” for hard-working, law-abiding citizens.
I am running for this office to be a voice for the unheard, a voice to uplift the mundane spirits, and a voice for those wanting positive change and renewed safety and security in their community. Finally, as a law enforcement officer, I understand what protect and serve means because I have already taken an oath to do that every day. I believe that I am more than capable as well as motivate to change the narrative on making our communities safer, healthier, and more inclusive.
Q: What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?
A: I am qualified for this position because I have twenty plus years of experience in law enforcement as well as being an effective change agent and visionary with the ability to see the impossible as possible. I have gained a deep understanding of the issues facing our community and have worked tirelessly to advocate for those I serve while upholding ethical and moral standards.
My track record of purposely seeking opportunities to expand my scope and skillsets in diverse units and programs is what sets me apart from my opponent (s). Additionally, my track record of delivering results with successful outcomes and my unwavering commitment to serving the best interests of our constituents sets me apart from my opponent (s) as well. That interest includes creating programs such as Memphis Girls Rock, Hiding Behind, Parent Graffiti, and Dream Killers. These programs vigorously address gang violence, sex trafficking, and gun violence.
I am confident that my courageous leadership, my judicious vision, and my steadfast dedication makes it impossible for me not to be the most qualified candidate to represent the people of the 9th District. I believe that I am more than capable of bringing a new perspective to this arena to tackle Tennessee’s challenges.
Q: If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
A: My three priority areas are:
Crime: To rebuild trust within communities that have been vanquished; To bridge the gap between law enforcement and citizens, communities, and victims of crime.
Education: To enhance, diversify, be (...) inclusive are the key components.
Infrastructure: To utilize the most innovative technology; to ensure substantial growth both socially and economically.
Q: What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
A: I am hearing mostly from voters that they are concerned about crime and safety in our community. Crime is an issue because we are seeing an increase in violent crimes that are aggressively plaguing our communities. We need a real plan in place to decrease violence, save lives, and bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. It would also be beneficial to procure the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 by getting it passed and implemented. I am also hearing from voters that they want to see something different than before with an individual representing Tennesseans with innovative ideas that coincide with current trends while breaking the status quo.
Q: How will you approach the needs of the constituents you represent in Congress?
A: I plan to address the needs of the constituents in Congress through open and inclusive communication, ensuring that their concerns and priorities are at the forefront of my agenda. By organizing regular town hall meetings and community forums, I aim to actively listen to the diverse perspectives and aspirations of our community. Through collaboration with local leaders and community organizations, I seek to develop policies that are reflective of our district's specific needs and challenges.
Q: What are the three most pressing issues of your district? How do you plan to address them?
A: When it comes to crime, I will work with the Department of Justice (DOJ) as well as state and local officials to access funding and resources to address crime issues.
When it comes to education, I will work to secure funding that allows policies to be put in place to make sure that every child has an equal chance for success.
When it comes to infrastructure, I will work with state and local officials to draw down funds and resources from the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act that President Biden signed into law on November 15, 2021.
Q: What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
A: I want voters to know that I am deeply committed to serving our community with integrity, transparency, and a strong work ethic. I also want voters to know that I am absolutely proud to serve and protect in our community. My experience, dedication, and passion for making a positive impact is what drives me. I have developed and demonstrated successful practical knowledge with proven results, which is critical to leading this position. I believe it is time for me to maximize my specialized skillsets and the new role as United States House of Representatives, District 9 would give me the resources and access to better do so. I welcome the opportunity to serve each of you with humility, diligence, and effectiveness.
Corey Strong
Q: Why are you running for this office?
A: I'm running for office because I believe in our community’s promise and I know we can make Memphis and our district shine as an economic powerhouse on every level — regionally, nationally, and internationally. For too long, our district has been overlooked. We've seen federal investment decline while our neighbors thrive. This lack of funding means fewer jobs, fewer opportunities, higher local taxes, entrenched poverty, and rising crime rates. We need a strong, capable, and dedicated representative who believes in our potential and will bring the big investments we deserve — investments that will spur economic growth, create high-skill and high-wage jobs, and make our district a vibrant place to live.
I've dedicated my life to serving others, and I know TN-09 needs a representative ready to truly serve. We need someone who understands that building a solid economic foundation is key to lifting our communities from poverty to the middle class. Together, we can create a place where anyone, regardless of their background, can lead a life of purpose and opportunity.
Q: What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?
A: I am the leader that can put Memphis back on the map. I have global experience from over 20 years in the military serving in command, advisory, diplomatic, and economic roles ― roles that taught me how to lead and motivate people, solve serious problems, and understand the greater world the United States operates in. I have over 10 years of experience in public education and know how to invest in people and help them grow. I am an attorney and have a Master’s Degree in Business with professional experience in both areas. I restored the Shelby County Democratic Party and helped orchestrate the 2018 Blue Wave. And I have a deep passion and understanding for the 901 and what is possible if we start believing what we are capable of.
Q: If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
A: Increased federal funding for infrastructure, job training, and community organizations; development of a mega site in the district to attract industrial growth; improved support of local government and community organizations for participation in federal government programs.
Q: What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
A: They want leadership to address poverty, crime, and lack of job opportunity, especially for the youth. They also have told me consistently that they want a representative who is present, not just for photo opportunities, but embedded in the community and committed to solving its problems.
Q: How will you approach the needs of the constituents you represent in Congress?
A: My role is two pronged. The first is to be an ambassador for the district in Washington. Not only to stand up for the issues that matter to the constituents but to also tirelessly advocate for this district to be the recipient of major projects and funding from the federal government. The second part of the approach is to be a proactive partner with local stakeholders to educate, support, and build capacity to compete for funding. The Congressman cannot do it all but we can do so much more if we unlock the capacity of the talent in this district to go after existing and undiscovered opportunities.
Q: What are the three most pressing issues of your district? How do you plan to address them?
A: The same three that I have been asked by voters to address: Poverty, Crime, and Economic Opportunity. I will address these with my three part platform of Industry, Infrastructure, and Education. To address poverty and crime, we give our people purposeful competitive work at scale ― work that involves a skill and pays a strong wage. Industry is the source of the jobs, infrastructure gives them tools and location to do it, and education gives them the training and skills to do it. The people deserve to live in a district where they can make enough at one job to be home to provide for their families and pour in their communities.
Q: What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
A: There is tremendous concern about the capacity of our two Presidential candidates and much of our country is dissatisfied and yearning for younger and more adequate leadership. While there is not another option for President, there is an option for who we send to represent us in Congress. Seniority is not bringing us any benefits so it is time for change in this district. I humbly ask for your vote to help bring some energy, vitality, and true representation back to this district.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Where TN Congressional District 9 candidates stand on the big issues
