Steve Cohen

Stephen Ira Cohen is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 9th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, Cohen has held this position since 2007, making him one of the longest-serving members in the current Congress. He is notable for being the first Jewish individual to represent Tennessee in Congress and has consistently won re-election despite facing challenges regarding the representation of his majority-minority district. As of 2023, he is the only Democrat in Tennessee's congressional delegation and has announced plans to retire in 2027.

Early life and career

Steve Cohen was born on May 24, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Genevieve and Morris David Cohen, a pediatrician. He is a fourth-generation Memphian and has Jewish ancestry, with grandparents who immigrated from Lithuania, Poland, and Turkey. Cohen's early life was marked by a significant health challenge; he contracted polio at the age of five, which shifted his focus from sports to politics. His interest in political affairs was further ignited when he had the opportunity to photograph John F. Kennedy during a campaign stop in Memphis when he was just 11 years old. This moment left a lasting impression on him, and he has often cited Kennedy as a political hero.

Cohen's family moved to Coral Gables, Florida, in 1961, where his father pursued a residency in psychiatry at the University of Miami. The family later relocated to Pasadena, California, for Dr. Cohen's fellowship at the University of Southern California. After returning to Florida, Cohen graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School in 1966. He then moved back to Memphis, where his father established a private psychiatry practice.

Cohen attended Vanderbilt University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971. While at Vanderbilt, he was involved in the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. He continued his education at the Memphis State University College of Law, now known as the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1973.

Following his education, Cohen practiced law as a sole practitioner from 1978 until 2006, specializing in civil and criminal law. His political career began to take shape during this time; he served as a legal advisor for the Memphis Police Department from 1975 to 1978. His political prominence grew when he was elected vice president of the Tennessee Constitutional Convention in 1977 at the age of 27. Subsequently, he was elected to the Shelby County Commission, serving from 1978 to 1980, where he played a key role in establishing The Med, a community-funded regional hospital. In 1980, he briefly served as an interim judge on the Shelby County General Sessions Court.

Cohen's political involvement extended beyond local governance; he was a delegate to multiple Democratic National Conventions from 1980 to 2016, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the party.

House tenure

Cohen's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began in 2007 after he won election to represent Tennessee's 9th congressional district. This district is predominantly located in Memphis and is characterized as a majority-minority district. Cohen's election was significant not only for his political career but also for the representation of Jewish individuals in Congress, as he became the first to hold such a position in Tennessee. His electoral history has been marked by a series of successful re-elections, despite facing challenges from opponents who argued that a black lawmaker should represent the district.

Cohen's first term in the House was characterized by a commitment to progressive values and a focus on issues pertinent to his constituents. Over the years, he has become known for his advocacy on various social issues, including healthcare, civil rights, and education. His ability to secure re-election has been attributed to his active engagement with the community and his responsiveness to the needs of his constituents.

As of 2023, Cohen is the only Democrat in Tennessee's congressional delegation, a reflection of the shifting political landscape in the state. He has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026, citing the impact of redistricting on his decision. His current term is set to conclude on January 3, 2027.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in the House, Cohen has focused on a range of legislative issues that reflect his progressive stance and commitment to social justice. His work has included efforts to improve access to healthcare, protect civil rights, and promote educational opportunities. Cohen has been involved in various committees, where he has played a role in shaping legislation that aligns with his priorities.

Cohen's legislative achievements have included sponsorship of bills aimed at enhancing community access to healthcare, protecting animal rights, and reinstating voting rights for individuals who have been disenfranchised. He has also been a strong advocate for the arts, supporting funding initiatives that benefit cultural programs in Tennessee.

In addition to his work on healthcare and civil rights, Cohen has been recognized for his contributions to animal welfare, having received multiple awards from the Humane Society for his legislative efforts in this area. His advocacy has included the sponsorship of the T-Bo law, which established damages for the intentional or negligent death of companion animals.

Cohen's legislative record reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents while also engaging with broader national issues. His tenure in the House has been marked by a dedication to progressive values and an emphasis on community engagement, making him a prominent figure in Tennessee politics. As he prepares to conclude his service in Congress, Cohen's impact on both his district and the legislative process will be noted as a significant aspect of his political career.