North Carolina Democrats Rally Against GOP Redistricting Plan

Wed Oct 22 2025 12:05:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As North Carolina Republicans push for a new congressional map aimed at gaining additional seats, Democrats rally against the proposals, vowing to oppose them in the long run.

Despite acknowledging the likelihood of a Republican-drawn congressional map being enacted, North Carolina Democrats are mobilizing against the changes that aim to undercut the reelection chances of Democratic Rep. Don Davis. The GOP plan, which seeks to solidify their majority, has prompted protests and threats of legal action over allegations of racial gerrymandering. With final votes expected soon, Democratic officials emphasize the importance of public awareness and future resistance to such political maneuvers.

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Democrats rallied on Tuesday against a new congressional map proposed by state Republicans, which aims to secure an additional GOP seat as part of former President Donald Trump's call for aggressive mid-decade redistricting. While Democrats recognize they may be unable to stop the enactment of the new map immediately, they pledged to fight the plan in the longer term.

The GOP's proposed map seeks to redraw two of the 14 congressional districts and is expected to diminish the chances of reelection for Democratic Rep. Don Davis, one of the state's three Black representatives. According to statewide election data, the plan could allow Republicans to control 11 out of the 14 congressional seats, up from the current 10.

This proposed redistricting follows Trump’s request for Republicans in multiple states to undertake mid-decade reshaping of congressional districts to strengthen their party's congressional influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans face the historical trend of losing seats.

With Republicans holding a majority in both chambers of the General Assembly and state laws preventing Democratic Governor Josh Stein from vetoing redistricting proposals, the GOP plan appears set for enactment with final House votes potentially occurring as soon as Wednesday. The state Senate had already approved the plan earlier in the day with a party-line vote.

Approximately 300 protesters gathered outside the historic state Capitol, with Democratic Party officials and lawmakers promising that the redistricting efforts would backfire against Republicans in the upcoming elections. Legal challenges are anticipated, arguing that the new map constitutes racial gerrymandering.

We know we may not have the ability to stop the Republicans in Raleigh right now, but we are here to show that people across this state and across this nation are watching them, stated Anderson Clayton, the chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, to applause from the crowd.

The rally emphasized criticism toward Republican leaders, who are accused of succumbing to Trump’s influence through the redistricting efforts targeting Democratic interests. On the other hand, GOP leaders defended their actions, noting that Trump has consistently earned North Carolina's electoral votes in past presidential elections.

The conflict over redistricting in North Carolina is part of a larger national battle initiated by Trump’s suggestions for Republican-led states to reshape congressional maps. Including North Carolina's efforts, several states have begun re-evaluating their district lines in response to the shifting political landscape.