Steve Cohen — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Tennessee, 2026

Steve Cohen voted against the "SAVE America Act" in 2021, a bill that would have imposed stricter voter ID requirements and proof-of-citizenship for voting, stating it was "voter suppression." He also voted in favor of the "American Dream and Promise Act of 2019," which aimed to protect certain immigrants from removal and offer a path to permanent residency. Furthermore, Cohen has consistently criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and voted against its funding in fiscal year 2026, citing "out-of-control immigration enforcement."

“"The worst of the worst are not the immigrants. The worst are the worst, records show, are native-born Americans, and they are committing crimes that hurt our citizens and our cities." – Rep. Steve Cohen, during a congressional hearing with Attorney General Pam Bondi (as reported by Yahoo News).”

Steve Cohen opposed the Continuing Appropriations Act, citing a lack of provisions for extending healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. He emphasized the importance of affordable healthcare, advocating for the extension of ACA subsidies to ensure millions can afford coverage. He has spoken about fighting to extend these subsidies to keep coverage affordable for everyone.

“I spoke about fighting to extend ACA health care subsidies that keep coverage affordable for everyone,”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Congressman Steve Cohen recognizes abortion care as health care and reproductive rights as human rights, advocating for the freedom of Tennesseans to make their own medical decisions. He is an original cosponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act, seeking to codify Roe v. Wade protections, and supports legislation like the Abortion Justice Act. He also applauded the Supreme Court's ruling maintaining access to mifepristone.

“As we face an unprecedented reproductive health care crisis nationwide, I recognize that abortion care is health care. Reproductive rights are human rights, and all Tennesseans deserve the freedom to make their own medical decisions – including about abortion." — Congressman Steve Cohen, http://cohen.house.gov/issues/womens-issues and http://cohen.house.gov/knowyourrights”

Congressman Steve Cohen consistently voted against several National Defense Authorization Acts and Department of Defense Appropriations Acts. He supported the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act and backed a rule to combine foreign aid bills. Cohen emphasized avoiding military conflicts, stating that Americans voted for lower costs and safer communities, not open-ended wars. He also advocates for humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians while supporting Israel's right to defend itself.

““The American people did not vote for another war in the Middle East. They voted for lower costs, safer communities, and improving quality of life for their families — not launching military action that risks dragging us into another open-ended conflict with Iran.” (Congressman Steve Cohen, on U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran, http://cohen.house.gov/issues/foreign-affairs)”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Congressman Steve Cohen supports gun control measures, co-sponsoring the Gun Show Loophole Closing Act and the Background Check Completion Act to enhance background checks. He voted "Yea" on the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 (H.R. 1808), which aimed to restrict semi-automatic assault weapons. Additionally, he supported a bill that included provisions for mental health services, prohibiting firearm purchases for certain domestic violence offenders, and funding for crisis intervention and community violence prevention initiatives.