MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Local Democrat leaders marched with activists through downtown Memphis, calling on voters to turn out in high numbers in the upcoming election.
Dozens of protesters marched in downtown Memphis from the I Am A Man Plaza to the Lorraine Motel, two pillars of civil rights history.
The march follows a heated special session in Nashville, where Tennessee Republicans voted to redraw the congressional districts, taking away the state’s only majority-Black district, which represented most of Memphis.
“I’m here to speak up and say, they’re trying to take away Memphis’ vote. We’re gonna come back three times as strong,” said Marly Ynigues, a protester.
Democrats rally voters ahead of November election
Several local Democrat candidates spoke at the rally, motivating the crowd to vote in large numbers in November.
“To all of us who have built lives in this community, they are saying that we do not have value or agency,” said Rep. Justin Pearson, D-District 86.
“We’ve gotta show up in massive numbers. 10 people got to tell 10 people to tell 10 people to get in the car and show up and go vote,” said Will Richardson, vice chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party.
Tennessee Republicans say the redistricting better represents the state’s conservative majority. But protesters worry it only dilutes Memphis voting powers.
“We should be represented by people from Memphis and not outside interests, and I think that’s the right of every Tennessean, to be represented by their own community,” Ynigues said.
Jonathan Reid, a protester, has a more hopeful outlook for Memphis.
“I truly believe it gives Memphis an opportunity to claim three seats, when they’re attempting to take one,” Reid said.
Reid said he believes the congressional split could be what it takes to bring Memphis together.
“We’re better as a collective. And oftentimes we do move in fear. That is fear that has been passed down from some of our ancestors. And so with our new generations, we have an opportunity to show that that fear is a myth. And we can truly control our destiny,” Reid said.
Tennessee Democrats also filed a lawsuit against Gov. Bill Lee, arguing it’s too late into the 2026 election season to change congressional districts. Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor has already declared to run for the newly drawn District 9.
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