Justin Pearson and the rising political influence of his family

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson’s parents, brother, and wife have appeared beside him at numerous events as he runs for U.S. Congress.

Campaigning has become a family affair for them. Could they become Memphis’ next great political dynasty like the Ford, Swearengen or Sugarmon families?

Family at the city council vote

The Pearson family’s passion for politics was evident when all were present at the Memphis City Council’s data center moratorium vote on October 20.

His father, Rev. Jason Pearson, addressed council, telling them, “Satan’s calls may sing today. But there is a God that rules above.”

His mother, Dr. Kimberly Pearson, a teacher, was the next to step up to the podium.

“We’re not paid to do this...it comes from our heart, and we’re fighting because these are our lives,” she told council members.

Police called to early voting site

Her commitment to her son’s quest for Congress recently led to a dust-up at the polling precinct at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, where Memphis Police were called on Wednesday.

The MPD report says Mrs. Pearson was “yelling and causing a disturbance,” frustrated by slow early voting lines. The report says she “kept refusing to leave” and eventually “slapped a (poll worker’s) hand.”

Rep. Pearson told Action News 5 his mother is a credentialed poll watcher.

“Her suggestions for streamlining the process were accepted and implemented. I can’t imagine why local police were called,” he said.

Analyst: ‘They’re all activists’

Jackson Baker, a longtime political analyst, said of the Pearsons, “They’re all activists really, when you get down to it.”

Baker said the family’s activism draws fans but also creates adversaries.

“I think he’s the kind of personality — and members of his family share that — who just have to manifest themselves,” Baker said. “They have to be in your face, in your ear, in your consciousness all the time.”

Health department and council meetings

Oceana Pearson, Justin Pearson’s wife, spoke at the Shelby County Health Department permit hearing for the xAI data center turbines in April of 2025.

“Shelby County Health Department, prove that you are not bought and paid for by xAI!” she said as the crowd roared around her.

Loud crowds usually accompany the Pearson family to events. And on two occasions, the health department hearing and the city council moratorium vote, the officials and elected leaders had to be escorted out of meetings by armed security, something not seen in Memphis politics before.

Opponent responds

Brent Taylor, Pearson’s Republican opponent in the 9th District race, told Action News 5: “This is typical chaotic behavior from Democratic Socialist Justin Pearson and his unhinged family.”

But Jackson Baker said such displays are what landed Pearson in the national spotlight, and could very well lead to greater political victories.

“He certainly has delighted enough people that he’s become a very prominent figure that a lot of people are supporting,” Baker said. “He has an outside chance of doing very well in the 9th District race, especially after Brent Taylor’s sexting revelations.”

Baker on Pearson’s background

Baker said Pearson reminds him a little of Harold Ford Sr. when Ford entered politics and faced similar criticism for being so bold.

He also said he would not be surprised if Justin Pearson’s brother, KeShaun Pearson, enters politics one day. KeShaun is the founder of MCAP, the environmental group Memphis Community Against Pollution, which successfully fought against the Byhalia Pipeline running through a majority-Black Memphis neighborhood.

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