Surrounded by protesters and working on a tight timeline, lawmakers poured back into the Tennessee State Capitol Tuesday for a special session to redraw the state’s congressional maps.
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State House Speaker Cameron Sexton exits the House chamber, May 5, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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Sen. London Lamar speaks against congressional redistricting on the Senate floor, May 5, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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Protesters and elected officials rally outside the state Capitol, May 5, 2026
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Members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol hold back protesters attempting to block lawmakers' entrance to the state Capitol, May 5, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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Protesters outside the state Capitol, May 5, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell speaks to protesters at the state Capitol, May 5, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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Rep. Justin Pearson weeps alongside his mother while looking at a sculpture depicting African American men casting ballots after winning the right to vote, May 5, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen speaks to protesters outside the state Capitol, May 5, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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