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Rep. Jim Cooper named as projected winner of Democratic nomination for the U.S. House

Rep. Jim Cooper talks about race for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House
Keeda Haynes defeated in U.S. House District 5 race
Cooper
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Rep. Jim Cooper has been named as the projected winner of the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House.

U.S. Representative Jim Cooper faced a serious primary challenge from his two challengers, 42-year-old Keeda Haynes and 27-year-old Joshua Rawlings.

Haynes was Cooper's first significant challenger since 2010.

She is a first-time political candidate who ran her campaign on a platform of criminal justice reform, health care access and affordable house.

Rawlings, a former Republican, is a small business owner who says he would bring his knowledge of technology to the house.

Rep. Cooper has been representing the 5th congressional district since 2003. NewsChannel 5 asked Cooper how he felt about his chances on Thursday morning.

"You think you'll be celebrating tonight," we asked.

"I hope so, but I don't take anything for granted, you've gotta run like you're one vote behind. I've been doing this a while. But that's the glory of democracy every person's vote counts the same."

Haynes thanked her supporters for helping her put up such a fight against such a strong incumbent.

"This was never about me. This was never something I really wanted to do for myself but I saw a need in my community and wanted to step in and wanted to meet that need," said Haynes.