RALEIGH, N.C. (RTW) — Republican leaders in North Carolina’s legislature are gearing up to finalize a plan that would dramatically alter the state's U.S. House map, with the goal of adding another seat for the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections.
The North Carolina House is expected to debate and vote on the proposed district boundaries, which have already been passed by the Republican-led Senate. This map has stirred controversy, particularly as it aims to weaken the electoral prospects of Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis, who represents a majority-Black district.
According to GOP lawmakers, the intent of the redistricting is to further establish a Republican foothold, responding to calls from Trump to solidify GOP representation across the nation. With candidate filing set to begin December 1, the timeline for these legislative changes is crucial. However, the proposal faces anticipated legal challenges from Democrats and voting rights advocates.
“The purpose of this map was to pick up a Republican seat. We’ve stated that over and over again,” said state Sen. Ralph Hise, who contributed to the map's design.
The GOP holds a majority in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly, meaning that without the ability of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein to veto the maps, they are likely to go into effect following the House's approval.
Critics assert that the changes could be seen as racial gerrymandering, arguing that they could dismantle decades of voting rights accomplishments in North Carolina's rural Black communities. Davis, one of the state’s three Black representatives, condemned the proposal as "beyond the pale." Many Democratic activists have gathered to protest the fast-tracking of the redistricting process, accusing Republicans of prioritizing political gain over fair representation.
Amid these tensions, Senate leader Phil Berger defended the plan, insisting it aligns with the wishes of the voters who supported Trump in past elections. As debates continue, the outcome of this redistricting initiative could significantly impact North Carolina's political landscape for years to come.
