Democrat Rep. Steve Cohen Ending Campaign After Redistricting Changes Democrat Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee announced on Friday that he is ending his bid for reelection, marking the end of a career that has been deeply intertwined with the political landscape of the South. His decision comes amid intense redistricting battles that have reshaped congressional boundaries across the country following a Supreme Court ruling last month that weakened federal protections for minority voting rights. Cohen’s district, which has been a stronghold for Democrats, was redrawn by Republican lawmakers in Tennessee, altering its shape to favor the GOP and align with President Donald Trump’s strategy to secure a narrow majority in the November midterm elections. The new congressional map, enacted by Republicans in Tennessee, effectively dismantled Cohen’s majority-Black district, reconfiguring it to dilute Democratic voting power. Cohen, who has represented the Memphis-based district for nearly two decades, described the changes as a direct attack on his chances of winning. “I don’t want to quit. I’m not a quitter. But these districts were drawn to beat me,” he told reporters in his Washington, D.C., office. Cohen is currently challenging the state’s redistricting effort in court, stating he would reenter the race if the lawsuit succeeds in restoring his original congressional district. The redistricting move has sparked concerns about the broader implications for Tennessee’s political future. Cohen warned that the state is likely to shift to an entirely Republican congressional delegation after the next election, a development he fears could marginalize Tennessee in national politics.#supreme_court #house_judiciary_committee #democrat_rep_stevie_cohen #republican_tennessee #tennessee_redistricting
Kristi Noem's congressional testimony before the House Judiciary Committee highlighted intense scrutiny of her Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies, with Democratic lawmakers pressing her on immigration enforcement, leadership decisions, and controversial practices. The hearing, part of a series of oversight sessions, unfolded amid ongoing congressional debates over fully funding the agency. Democrats focused on Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s special adviser, questioning his qualifications and role in the department. Rep. Sydney Kalmager-Dove cited a Wall Street Journal report alleging Trump rejected Lewandowski’s request to become Noem’s chief of staff due to a reported romantic relationship. Both Noem and Lewandowski denied the affair. Kalmager-Dove challenged Noem directly, asking if she had sexual relations with Lewandowski. Noem dismissed the inquiry as "tabloid garbage," emphasizing Lewandowski’s status as a White House employee. Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized Noem for her defense of using luxury jets for DHS operations, including a story about a "blankie" left on a plane. Raskin mocked the incident, suggesting Lewandowski’s actions reflected arrogance and contempt, and questioned Noem’s judgment in allowing such practices. The exchange escalated tensions, with Noem’s husband present in the gallery. Rep. Eric Swalwell confronted Noem about the deportation of Miguel Lopez, a U.S. resident married to an American citizen. Swalwell described Lopez’s struggles after being deported, noting his lack of employment and communication challenges. Noem responded by highlighting the consequences of illegal immigration, citing tragedies like drug-related deaths and accidents involving undocumented drivers. The hearing reached a peak when Rep.#kristi_noem #house_judiciary_committee #corey_lewandowski #sydney_kalmager_dove #james_raskin
