Biography

Stephen Ira Cohen, born on May 24, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a dedicated public servant and attorney who has represented Tennessee's 9th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2007. A fourth-generation Memphian, Cohen's early life was marked by his battle with polio, instilling in him resilience and determination. His political career began shortly after his 21st birthday when he filed to run for office on the same day he registered to vote. Over the years, Cohen has been a steadfast advocate for civil rights, education, and healthcare, earning recognition for his unyielding commitment to his constituents.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University, 1971
  • Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis School of Law, 1973

• Political Experience:

  • Delegate and Vice-President of the Tennessee Constitutional Convention, 1977
  • Shelby County Commissioner, 1978–1980
  • Tennessee State Senator, 1982–2006
  • U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 9th District, 2007–present

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Tennessee State Senate:

  • Authored the resolution creating one of the first state Holocaust Commissions in America in 1984.
  • Led the effort to establish the Tennessee State Lottery, resulting in over $6.5 billion for educational scholarships since 2004.

• U.S. House of Representatives:

  • Served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, presiding over hearings on reparations and voting rights.
  • Instrumental in passing a House resolution apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African Americans.
  • Advocated for infrastructure improvements, securing significant federal funding for Memphis projects, including a $15 million TIGER grant for the Main Street to Main Street Connector Project.
  • Appointed Co-Chair of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2021.
  • Recognized for his commitment to civil rights, healthcare access, and education reform throughout his tenure.

Cohen's career reflects a deep commitment to public service, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for his constituents in Memphis and advocating for progressive policies on a national scale.