EPISODE · Jun 16, 2026 · 35 MIN
The State That Moved Fastest to Gut Black Votes | Rep. Justin Pearson
from Defending Democracy with Marc Elias · host Democracy Docket
Days after the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision, Tennessee became the first state in the country to eliminate a majority-Black congressional district. Memphis was cracked into thirds in just 72 hours, with no hearings, no community input and no requirement to notify voters. State Rep. Justin Pearson breaks down how it happened, what was lost and why he's running for Congress anyway — in the very district they drew to stop him.
What this episode covers
Days after the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision, Tennessee became the first state in the country to eliminate a majority-Black congressional district. Memphis was cracked into thirds in just 72 hours, with no hearings, no community input and no requirement to notify voters. State Rep. Justin Pearson breaks down how it happened, what was lost and why he's running for Congress anyway — in the very district they drew to stop him.
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The State That Moved Fastest to Gut Black Votes | Rep. Justin Pearson
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