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Republican lawmakers in Tennessee have approved a new U.S. House map that splits a majority-Black district in Memphis, potentially reshaping it to the GOP’s advantage. This approval came amidst protests and demonstrations, and the new map is now to be signed into law by Republican Gov. Bill Lee. The redrawing of the district lines follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for minorities, with similar redistricting steps being taken by Republicans in Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina.
Tennessee GOP Approves U.S. House Map Amid Protests
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Republican lawmakers approved a new U.S. House map last Thursday, reshaping a majority-black district in Memphis to the GOP’s advantage, amid significant protests. The move forms part of the strategy to retain a slim majority in the upcoming November midterm elections.
As chaos ensued, Democratic state Sen. Charlane Oliver denounced the redistricting as a “Jim Crow” effort. The Republican leadership adjourned the special session hastily, sending the new map to Republican Gov. Bill Lee for signing.
READ MORE: Southern Republicans press ahead with redistricting despite protests
Protesters disrupted the Republican-led House vote, leading to a tense atmosphere with shouting and air horn blasts.
Redistricting Trends in Southern States
Tennessee is so far the first state to pass new congressional districts since a Supreme Court ruling weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for minorities last week. Republican lawmakers in Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina are following suit with redistricting efforts, igniting possible legal challenges.
The Supreme Court’s decision changed the decades-old understanding of the law, providing grounds for Republicans to try to eliminate majority-Black districts that have elected Democrats.
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Louisiana has delayed its congressional primary for state lawmakers to create a new House map, while Alabama is also considering changing its U.S. House districts, pending a final vote. In South Carolina, GOP lawmakers are contemplating adding congressional redistricting to their agenda.
Tennessee Republicans Push Through Redistricting
As part of the redistricting process, Tennessee lawmakers passed legislation that repealed a state law prohibiting mid-decade redistricting. The new House map reshapes the state’s sole Democrat-held district, anchored in the majority-Black city of Memphis, leading to numerous changes across western and central Tennessee.
Although Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton insisted the new districts were drawn based on population and politics, not race, Democrats disagreed. Democrats warned of potential electoral confusion due to the re-drawing of districts, as there is less time before the Aug. 6 primary.
Alabama and South Carolina Consider Their Redistricting Options
In Alabama, protesters voiced their opposition as Republican lawmakers advanced legislation for special congressional primaries if a new congressional map is implemented for the November midterms. A final Senate vote is due Friday.
In South Carolina, the Senate could authorize lawmakers to return to redraw congressional districts, possibly eliminating the state’s only Democrat-held district. Despite this, Republicans were hesitant to answer Democrats’ questions about the cost of a rescheduled primary and the reasons for potentially ending the June 9 U.S. House primary elections after candidate filing.
Reporting by Chandler from Montgomery, Alabama; Collins from Columbia, South Carolina; and Lieb from Jefferson City, Missouri. Contributions by Associated Press reporter Kristin M. Hall.
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