Congressman Steve Cohen is a fourth-generation Memphian who has dedicated his life to public service. As a child stricken with polio, Steve's dreams of playing sports yielded to the other passion in his young world, politics. Filing to run for office on the same day he first registered to vote, Congressman Cohen stepped onto the path that has defined his life and affected the lives of people in Memphis and across Tennessee throughout his career in national, state and local politics.

During his term as a Shelby County Commissioner, Congressman Cohen cast one of the essential votes for the creation of the Med. This would be the first in a long line of votes during his career to fight for the most basic of human rights such as access to health care.

Congressman Cohen’s 24 years in the Tennessee State Senate provided a record of vigorous, passionate, honest and unselfish service that was unparalleled. As an elected official, he consistently stands up for the people who elected him, not for special interests. Congressman Cohen has a well-deserved reputation for standing up and speaking out on important issues and has been called the father of the Tennessee Lottery.

Since the inception of the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program in 2004, over a billion dollars has gone to students continuing their education at the college level. As a State Senator, Congressman Cohen fought for nearly twenty years before the State Lottery was established. Countless students have benefited from Congressman Cohen's tireless efforts to provide Tennesseans with access to affordable, quality, post-secondary education.

Congressman Cohen has also provided outstanding constituent service to the citizens of Memphis, never faltering in his fight for those who do not have the power bestowed by wealth and advantage, realizing that the American dream cannot flourish without constant rededication to its principle.

Show full bio

Hide full bio