NASHVILLE, Tenn. — GOP lawmakers across multiple Southern states are accelerating efforts to redraw congressional boundaries following a recent Supreme Court decision that has opened the door to challenging existing district maps.
In Tennessee, demonstrators continuously disrupted legislative sessions focused on redistricting proposals. Despite the interruptions, Republican lawmakers moved the plans forward for a possible final decision on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Alabama’s Republican-controlled House voted to approve legislation that would allow new congressional primaries if courts permit them to implement different U.S. House boundaries.
Last week’s Supreme Court decision determined that Louisiana placed excessive emphasis on racial considerations when establishing a second district with a Black majority population while trying to follow Voting Rights Act requirements. This decision provides Republican officials in Louisiana and other states with justification to attempt removing districts where Black voters hold majorities and typically elect Democratic candidates.
The court’s decision has escalated what was already an intense nationwide battle over district boundaries before November’s midterm elections, which will decide control of the narrowly divided House of Representatives.
Since Texas became the first state to redraw its House districts last year, eight states have implemented new congressional maps. Republicans believe they could pick up as many as 13 seats, while Democrats estimate they might gain up to 10. However, several newly created districts may be contested in November, potentially preventing either party from achieving their full objectives.
Tennessee Proposal Divides Memphis Area
On Wednesday, Tennessee Republicans unveiled a new House map that would divide Shelby County, where Memphis is located, among three districts rather than the current two. This change would dismantle the state’s only Democratic-controlled district, which centers on the predominantly Black city, triggering widespread modifications to districts across western and central Tennessee.
“Tennessee is a conservative state, and our congressional delegation should reflect that. This bill ensures it does,” stated Republican state Sen. John Stevens.
Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton explained that the proposed boundaries were created using population data and political considerations rather than racial demographics.
Alabama House Supports New Primary Elections
Alabama’s Republican-majority House approved legislation on Wednesday that would authorize special congressional primary elections as GOP officials consider implementing a different congressional map for November’s elections. The measure now advances to the state Senate.
Alabama officials are working to overturn a federal court directive that established a second congressional district with nearly majority Black voter representation. This map resulted in the 2024 election of Rep. Shomari Figures, a Black Democratic candidate. Republicans prefer to implement a 2023 map created by state legislators that would provide the GOP with a chance to regain Figures’ southern Alabama district.
South Carolina Advances Redistricting Plans
South Carolina’s House approved a resolution on Wednesday that would authorize lawmakers to reconvene after their regular session concludes to redraw congressional districts, potentially eliminating the state’s sole Democratic-held district. The proposal must now receive Senate approval, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
Following Wednesday’s vote, Republican House leadership announced plans to present a new map on Thursday and conduct committee discussions on Friday.
