RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican legislative leaders are set to finalize a controversial overhaul of part of the state’s U.S. House map in hopes of gaining an additional Republican seat and aiding President Donald Trump in maintaining majority control of Congress during the 2026 midterm elections. The state House is scheduled for debate and votes on proposed boundaries that aim to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis, who represents over 20 northeastern counties. The state Senate previously approved the proposal along party lines.
As Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, Democratic Governor Josh Stein lacks the power to veto redistricting maps, making House passage a significant step for the Republicans. Legal challenges are anticipated from Democrats or voting rights advocates who are likely to contest the implementation of these new boundaries.
Republican leaders assert that the changes align with Trump’s calls to further secure seats for the party across the nation, thereby fortifying their presence in Congress and supporting his agenda. The Democrats, on their side, are attempting to flip three seats to regain control of the House, as history suggests the president’s party often loses seats during midterm elections.
“The objective of this map is to capture a Republican seat,” claimed state Sen. Ralph Hise, involved in drawing the map. The revised congressional map would swap several counties in Rep. Davis’s current district with another, potentially allowing Republicans to win 11 out of North Carolina’s 14 congressional seats.
Davis, representing a district with significant Black populations, has expressed strong opposition, calling the proposed map “beyond the pale.” Critics argue that the changes could constitute a racial gerrymander that would regress decades of voting rights advancements.
This debate ignited protests, with hundreds of Democratic activists decrying the GOP's plan as a partisan maneuver. Reports indicate that the proposed map could dismantle long-standing voting rights milestones in the district, particularly affecting communities within North Carolina's "Black Belt" region. In response to criticisms of gerrymandering, Republican leaders emphasized their actions reflect the voting preferences of North Carolinians, as evidenced by Trump's narrow electoral wins in the state over the past three elections.
The situation remains dynamic as both sides prepare for possible legal confrontations amid increasing tensions surrounding electoral representation in the state.
As Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, Democratic Governor Josh Stein lacks the power to veto redistricting maps, making House passage a significant step for the Republicans. Legal challenges are anticipated from Democrats or voting rights advocates who are likely to contest the implementation of these new boundaries.
Republican leaders assert that the changes align with Trump’s calls to further secure seats for the party across the nation, thereby fortifying their presence in Congress and supporting his agenda. The Democrats, on their side, are attempting to flip three seats to regain control of the House, as history suggests the president’s party often loses seats during midterm elections.
“The objective of this map is to capture a Republican seat,” claimed state Sen. Ralph Hise, involved in drawing the map. The revised congressional map would swap several counties in Rep. Davis’s current district with another, potentially allowing Republicans to win 11 out of North Carolina’s 14 congressional seats.
Davis, representing a district with significant Black populations, has expressed strong opposition, calling the proposed map “beyond the pale.” Critics argue that the changes could constitute a racial gerrymander that would regress decades of voting rights advancements.
This debate ignited protests, with hundreds of Democratic activists decrying the GOP's plan as a partisan maneuver. Reports indicate that the proposed map could dismantle long-standing voting rights milestones in the district, particularly affecting communities within North Carolina's "Black Belt" region. In response to criticisms of gerrymandering, Republican leaders emphasized their actions reflect the voting preferences of North Carolinians, as evidenced by Trump's narrow electoral wins in the state over the past three elections.
The situation remains dynamic as both sides prepare for possible legal confrontations amid increasing tensions surrounding electoral representation in the state.
