Tennessee Redraws Congressional Map After Supreme Court Ruling
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Tennessee Republicans passed a new congressional map during a special session, splitting Memphis' Shelby County into three districts. The session followed a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened Voting Rights Act protections against racial discrimination in redistricting. Governor Bill Lee signed a bill repealing the state's prohibition on mid-decade redistricting.
Facts First
- Tennessee GOP passed a new congressional map splitting Memphis' Shelby County into three districts
- Governor Bill Lee called a special session after a Supreme Court ruling weakened Voting Rights Act protections
- Lee signed a bill repealing Tennessee's ban on mid-decade redistricting
- Republican lawmakers aim for an all-Republican delegation to Washington, D.C.
- Similar redistricting efforts are moving in other southern states like Louisiana and Alabama
What Happened
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee called a special legislative session to consider a new congressional map following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last week that weakened the Voting Rights Act's protections against racial discrimination in redistricting. During the session on Thursday, Tennessee Republicans passed a new congressional map that splits Memphis' Shelby County into three different districts. Governor Bill Lee signed a bill that repealed a state law prohibiting mid-decade redistricting. Legislative votes occurred during protests at the state capitol and following a walkout by Democrats; state troopers removed people from the Tennessee House gallery.
Why this Matters to You
This redistricting could change which representative you vote for in the fall midterm elections, particularly if you live in Memphis or Shelby County. Tennessee GOP lawmakers stated their goal is to send an all-Republican delegation to Washington, D.C., which may affect the balance of power in Congress. Similar efforts in other southern states like Louisiana and Alabama could further reshape congressional representation across the region.
What's Next
The new map will be used for the fall midterm elections. Republican lawmakers in other southern states, including Louisiana and Alabama, are moving to eliminate other majority-Black, Democratic-held districts following the Supreme Court decision. If these efforts succeed, the Republican lead in mid-decade redistricting could potentially double to six or seven seats, depending on the outcome of a pro-Democratic redistricting measure approved by voters in Virginia which is currently in state court.