Redistricting and Retaliation: A Pattern Emerges in Tennessee Politics The decision by Steve Cohen, a lone Democrat in Tennessee's congressional delegation, to end his re election bid after the state's Republican dominated legislature redrew the 9th district highlights the far reaching consequences of gerrymandering.
While Cohen's assertion that "these districts were drawn to beat me" may be seen as partisan hyperbole by some, it speaks to a broader pattern of manipulation in Tennessee politics.
Historically, Republicans have dominated state government in Tennessee, leading to the creation of districts increasingly stacked against Democratic candidates.