The people of District 9 had spoken and done so overwhelmingly. And in this election, Dr. Willie W. Herenton was not the candidate of choice.

Dr. Willie W. Herenton said the 9th District contest was somewhat of a referendum on him, adding that he was man enough to deal with the results. He talked with supporters at the Memphis Botanic Garden after the outcome became apparent. (Photo by Earl Stanback)

“It was a referendum on Willie Herenton, and that’s really how it is,” said Herenton from his election night headquarters at the Memphis Botanic Garden. “This is not the easiest thing for me because I’m used to being a winner. This was a referendum on Willie Herenton, and I’ve got to face that.”

The first African-American elected Mayor of Memphis, and the city’s longest serving mayor, said he still believed in the principle upon which he based his campaign.

“There ought to be just one congressman to represent a predominantly black district. I believe that is what’s fair. I think that is what’s appropriate.”

Herenton’s bid to snag the Democratic Party nomination for the 9th Congressional District from incumbent Steve Cohen fell flat. His “Just One” slogan rallied diehard supporters, but in the end, it just wasn’t enough.    

“I’ve been a big supporter of Dr. Herenton since day one when we got our first black mayor,” said Gerald Saulsberry. “I believe in the ‘Just One’ slogan because we ought to have a black congressman in a predominantly black district. I really wanted to see him go to Washington. I hope it’s not the end.”

Early voting results flashed on the screen about 8:15 p.m., more than an hour after polls closed. The music went off, and the nearly 400 supporters turned to the screen in dead silence. Of the nearly 100,000 early voters, here was the breakdown: Cohen 80 percent; Herenton 19 percent.

Those numbers portended what was to come. And as the precinct numbers rolled in, a Herenton upset seemed unlikely. There would be nothing more to do but wait for their candidate.

Herenton’s supporters were unwavering, even in defeat. They thronged his entrance when he arrived just after 9 p.m. to concede the election.

“Oh, there is no question that we’re disappointed and we had hoped for a different result,” said Jacqueline Reed. “But regardless of the loss, we still love and support Dr. Herenton. He’s done a lot for the city of Memphis. He made history, and that can never be taken away. He’s the man.”        

After his five-minute concession, supporters left little by little until the crowd trickled down to 30. Their candidate had spoken, and there was nothing more to do. It was finished.     

Dr. Herenton concedes      

“I want to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to run in this congressional race. He has allowed me to serve as mayor of this great city...and as superintendent of schools…

“I congratulate Congressman Cohen on his victory, and I urge each of us to get behind our Congressman and support him in every way we can... And I say to Congressman Cohen that if I can do anything to help him to please let me know. And I mean that sincerely...

“I want to thank all my supporters and volunteers who worked so hard on this campaign. Thank you so very much. Many of you contributed as well. All of your support has meant so much. I won’t forget it...”