Tenn. incumbent Congressman Cohen wins over ex-mayor Herenton after race-focused campaign

Congressman survives race-focused TN campaign

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis’ former longtime mayor unabashedly campaigned for voters to send him to Congress because he is black but instead has overwhelmingly lost the Democratic primary to the white incumbent.

With about 1 percent of precincts reporting Thursday night, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen had 34,603 votes, or 81 percent, to Herenton’s 8,176, or 19 percent in the 9th District.

Herenton had said he wanted the victory to diversify Tennessee’s all-white, 11-member congressional delegation. Cohen is white and Jewish.

Democrats have held the seat for more than three decades and Cohen is considered the heavy favorite to win in November.

In the 8th District, gospel performer Steve Fincher has won the Republican primary. Three candidates waged the most expensive House race in the country.