RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — On Wednesday, Republican leadership in North Carolina was set to finalize a significant alteration to the state’s congressional map, aiming to secure an additional seat for the GOP and bolster President Donald Trump's influence in the upcoming midterm elections.
The North Carolina House prepared to debate and vote on redistricting measures that would potentially obstruct the reelection efforts of Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis, who serves over 20 counties in the northeastern region. The state Senate had already passed the revised plan along party lines the previous day.
With Republican majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, and Democratic Governor Josh Stein unable to veto redistricting proposals according to state law, the GOP's plan is expected to move forward pending possible legal challenges from Democrats or advocates for voting rights. Candidate filing for the 2026 elections is set to commence on December 1.
Supporters of the redistricting maintain that the adjustments respond to Trump’s directive for GOP-controlled states to carve out more seats, thereby striving to retain congressional control and advance the former president’s agenda. Conversely, Democrats are mounting opposition, requiring a gain of just three additional seats to reclaim the House majority. Historically, the incumbent party tends to lose seats during midterm elections.
State Senator Ralph Hise, one of the architects behind the new map, emphasized, The purpose of this map was to pick up a Republican seat. We’ve stated that over and over again.”
The renewed map is expected to modify some of the boundaries in Davis’s current 1st District by exchanging several counties for those in another coastal district, likely allowing Republicans to win 11 out of the state’s 14 congressional districts, up from 10 seats currently held.
Critics of the proposal, including Davis, branded the redistricting as “beyond the pale,” arguing it could unfairly impact African American voters in North Carolina’s majority-Black counties. Davis, who secured his position by a slim margin in the last election, highlights concerns over potential legal violations associated with racial gerrymandering.
In response to the GOP's actions, numerous Democratic activists rallied at the legislative complex, voicing opposition to what they perceive as political maneuvering from the Republican majority. Activists argue that such amendments risk undoing years of progress in creating equitable voting opportunities.
Notably, Democrats also accuse the GOP of fostering a racial gerrymander that threatens the democratic representation of communities within the state’s “Black Belt.” Republicans, however, assert that allegations of racial considerations in the district formations are unfounded.
In defending their strategy, GOP leaders pointed to Trump’s narrow victories in North Carolina during past elections, asserting that enhanced Republican representation in Congress is warranted to align with the state’s political climate.
Senate leader Phil Berger reinforced this stance, insisting that their actions are legitimate and reflective of the public's will. The unfolding redistricting combat underscores the ongoing tension surrounding electoral representation and civil rights in North Carolina.
