Congressman Danny K. Davis Statement on the Retirement Announcement of Congressman Steve Cohen

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Danny K. Davis today issued the following statement regarding Congressman Steve Cohen's announcement that he will not seek reelection to the United States House of Representatives:

Congressman Steve Cohen has dedicated his life to public service and social justice, and his retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the United States Congress.

Throughout his career, Congressman Cohen has been a fearless advocate for civil rights, voting rights, criminal justice reform, and equality under the law. His leadership and moral clarity have helped move our nation forward on some of the most important issues facing the American people.

For many years, Congressman Cohen and I worked together as partners within the House Democratic Caucus and alongside members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other coalitions committed to advancing civil rights, criminal justice reform, voting rights protections, and racial justice. We stood together on efforts to strengthen our democracy, address inequities within the justice system, and ensure that the promise of equality under the law applied to every American. His partnership and willingness to build bridges across communities and coalitions made him an effective and respected voice in Congress.

As a proud son of Memphis and the first Jewish member elected to Congress from Tennessee, Congressman Cohen brought both courage and conviction to public service. He consistently used his voice to stand up for working families, expand access to healthcare and education, and defend the constitutional rights of all Americans.

I especially appreciate Congressman Cohen's unwavering commitment to racial justice and his efforts to confront difficult truths in our nation's history, including his leadership on the historic congressional apology for slavery.

Steve Cohen leaves behind a remarkable legacy of principled leadership and dedicated service. I thank him for his friendship, his partnership, and his many years of service to the people of Tennessee and the nation. I wish him continued health, happiness, and success in the years ahead.