JUSTIN’S STORY

A man with an afro hairstyle, smiling, wearing a white dress shirt, a blue tie, and a beaded bracelet, standing against a white brick wall.

I work tirelessly to be the Servant-Leader
my community deserves.

I have the honor and privilege of being the State Representative for District 86 in the Tennessee General Assembly and now I am running for Congress to continue our good work together. I was born and made in Memphis, TN to my loving parents Dr. Kimberly Owens-Pearson and Rev. Jason C. Pearson, Sr. as the fourth son of five boys. My parents had my oldest brother when they were just 15 and 16 years old. Growing up, we were financially poor but spiritually rich. I watched my parents move from a job making $4.25 an hour to lifting us out of poverty with hard work, dedication, family, and faith.

We had my Grandmothers Pearson and Gwen who were the best matriarchs a family could wish for on our side—a Laidlaw School Bus Driver and a Registered Nurse who always loved us, fed us, and gave us a sense of purpose and an understanding to never forget where we come from. Their homes are where our hearts have always remained in Southwest Memphis. I wouldn’t be here without them and my parents who have defied every odd to help me to be who I am. Although my Grandmothers and my beloved brother Tim, are Ancestor-Angels, my fight for justice is rooted in their spirit and guidance.

A diverse group of people including adults and children, posing in front of a backdrop with blue and white text supporting Justin J. Pearson for Tennessee State House District 86. The group appears to be at a campaign event or rally.

Since I was 15, I have been advocating for the community I now represent as a public servant. As a student at Mitchell High School, I went to the school board and demanded that my peers and I get access to textbooks and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Within days, we had thousands of books and four AP courses when I graduated. Since then, I have helped build summer programs for youth, taken on fights against billion-dollar corporations to protect our district’s right to life, and been expelled by Republicans in the Tennessee legislature for standing up to the NRA so we can end the gun violence epidemic.

Protesters holding a large banner that reads 'Stand with the Tennessee Three, End Gun Violence, Protect Democracy' during a rally on steps of a government building, with a crowd of diverse individuals, some with raised fists, holding signs, and a person with a camera filming

When billion dollar oil companies sought to pollute over a million people’s drinking water and take people’s land, I helped organize our community and formed Memphis Community Against the Pipeline (MCAP) which successfully stopped that project. When our public utility tried to entrap us in an unfair contract that would’ve raised my constituents’ utility bill, we fought back and stopped the never-ending contracting. When we learned about Sterilization Services of Tennessee’s fugitive emissions killing residents, we rallied and organized until we shut the company down. As workers have gone on strike for better wages, I have advocated and stood with the UAW, BCTGM, MATA bus drivers, and the Teamsters. And, when the xAI data center began illegally polluting our community, I led the effort organizing our environmental justice coalition and community members by the thousands to demand they get a permit and operate more fairly to protect our air, water, and soil. I can’t help it. Wherever I see oppression and injustice, I have to help stop it.

A man standing at a wooden pulpit, gesturing with both hands, wearing a dark suit and blue scarf, in a room with light brick walls.

Rep. Justin J. Pearson preaching the Gospel and Community of Faith Christian Church where he ministers and his father leads

I never have to wait to join a fight for what’s right. I’m right there with you, and that will never change. 

I believe there is a better future for our District, and I am getting in this ring to help us get to it. I promise you that I will always stand up, speak out, and fight for this district because I love my hometown. I love my district and my constituents. We have so much potential which is why I always want to serve this District and help make that vision into a reality. I am blessed to have married the love of my life, my one and only wife, Oceana R. Gilliam on July 19 2025 and help to raise two little dogs named Starrie and Curly. God has been good to me and my family through it all and now I want to continue to serve you in the U.S. Congress.

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Legislative Accomplishments

Despite persistent pushback by the Republican majority in the Tennessee General Assembly, State Representative Justin J. Pearson has accomplished the following since his election in 2023:

  • Introduced 40 Bills during his first term, 11 Bills during his second

  • Wrote and passed with bipartisan support Bill HB1318 to extend the Access Tennessee health insurance program through 2030.

  • Wrote and passed Bill HB2343 through Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee to create and maintain an information tool on the Environment and Conservation Department’s website that provides data related to the presence of toxic release facilities

  • Served on the following committees:

    • State Government

    • Transportation Full

    • Transportation Subcommittee

    • Disaster Relief Committee for Extraordinary Special Session Committee on Hurricane Helene and Immigration

    • Private Acts

  • Hosted town halls throughout his district to provide vital information on state government affairs, as well as five air pollution town halls in 10 days throughout Shelby County to educate residents about the threats to air quality in the Mid-South and how they fight for cleaner air for everyone and help overturn legacy pollution.

  • Rep. Pearson believes the only type of public service is a proximate one to be able to assist when called on and before needed

There is no us without you.

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