Two Veteran Democratic Congressmen With Deep Community Ties Face Tough Reelection Tests From Younger Challengers

Two longtime Members of Congress, U.S. Rep. David Scott of Georgia and U.S Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee, both Democrats, are facing the toughest reelection challenges of their careers as younger and largely more progressive challengers seek to oust them, citing their ages as a factor. Scott is 80; Cohen is 76.

Both men have long histories representing their districts and serving in elected office overall. Mr. Scott has been in Congress since 2003, after having served more than 20 years in Geoegia’s legislature in both the state House and the state Senate.

Rep. Cohen has been a congressman since 2007. Cohen succeeded Harold Ford, Jr., in Tennessee’s 9th congressional district. Ford, Jr. made history by succeeding his father, who held the seat for 22 years.

Both men represent predominantly Black districts. Scott’s exurban Atlanta district is a plurality 49% Black; Cohen’s Memphis-based district is 60% Black. Both are well-known in their communities and have defeated dozens of challengers in past elections.

But 2026 presents a different challenge for both men. Younger activists from the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party are advocating for more direct opposition to President Donald Trump and they also believe the older, more entrenched incumbents have fallen out of touch with the issues they believe could empower and mobilize communities, especially communities of color.

Both incumbents cite their long tenures as factors in reelecting them, saying their seniority advances causes for their respective districts.

They also cite both incumbents’ age in describing both men as less effective than in years past.

Rep. Scott has drawn half a dozen challengers for the upcoming May primary including a current state senator, Emanuel Jones; Jasmine Clark, a state representative; and former Gwinnett school board chair, Everton Blair.

According to campaign reports, Rep. Scott has been out-raised by his opponents this cycle–a first for Scott.

Rep. Cohen has drawn opposition from state representative Justin Pearson, a popular and formidable community activist who Gaines fame as one of the Tennessee 3 who were suspended by Republicans in the Tennessee legislature.

Pearson, 31, who has also become a social media sensation due to his staunch and outspoken views and oratory, presents the biggest challenge Cohen has faced.

Virtually no polling has been made available in either race.

Georgia’s primary is May 19, 2026. Tennessee’s is August 6, 2026.