Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) is the latest incumbent establishment Democrat to face a challenge from a young progressive Democrat.

Controversial state Rep. Justin Pearson, 30, earned national attention on March 30, 2023, when he and fellow Democratic state Reps. Gloria Johnson and Justin Jones took over the state Capitol’s floor to harangue fellow legislators over gun control measures. He was turned into a martyr after he and Jones were expelled from the body, quickly reelected, and sent back by their constituents. The “mini Jan. 6” earned the derision of Republicans, but garnered Pearson widespread acclaim from progressive Democrats. Now, he’s seeking to transform that fame into a run for Congress to unseat the 10-term Cohen, 76.