Citing Redistricting, Tennessee Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper to Retire

Long-time Tennessee Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) announced Tuesday that he won't seek reelection this year.  In his announcement, Cooper cited congressional redistricting, which cleared the Republican-dominated General Assembly after a state House vote Monday.

The plan cracks Nashville - which is the vast majority of the existing 5th district - into three districts, effectively putting it out of reach for Democrats this year. According to FiveThirtyEight, the partisan lean of District 5 will move from D+17 to R+15. 

Today I am announcing that I will not run for re-election to Congress. After 32 years in office, I will be leaving Congress next year.

I cannot thank the people of Nashville enough. You backed me more than almost anyone in Tennessee history. pic.twitter.com/C6LE31uFQC

— Jim Cooper (@repjimcooper) January 25, 2022

Cooper is the 42nd House member - and 29th Democrat - to announce they are retiring or seeking another office this year.