North Carolina Republicans Pass New Congressional and State Legislative Maps
In a move that could have significant implications for future elections, North Carolina Republicans have passed new congressional and state legislative maps that could flip several U.S. House seats and secure veto-proof majorities over state legislation for the GOP. However, critics argue that the new maps undermine democracy by limiting the power of Black and Brown voters and creating districts that favor Republican candidates.
Eric Holder, the former U.S. attorney general and current head of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, criticized North Carolina as one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. Proponents of the new maps argue that they’re within their rights to draw districts that benefit political parties, especially since Republicans won more seats in both chambers. Republican consultant Paul Shumaker stated, “Elections have consequences.”
This redistricting effort is part of a broader trend among Republicans to redefine congressional voting districts nationwide. Alabama and South Carolina are among the states facing legal challenges over their redistricting efforts. In North Carolina, the shift in power in the state Supreme Court from Democratic to Republican control in the 2022 elections set the stage for the current redistricting.
The new maps create 10 likely Republican districts, three likely Democratic districts, and one district that appears to be competitive. With the potential to flip at least three seats to the GOP, Republicans could gain control of the U.S. House, where they currently hold a narrow majority.
Critics argue that these maps do not reflect voters’ preferences and limit the influence of Democratic voters. Jonathan Mattingly, a Duke University mathematics professor specializing in gerrymandering, highlighted how these nonresponsive maps erode democratic principles. There is widespread agreement among experts in North Carolina that legal challenges are imminent, particularly regarding allegations of racial gerrymandering and violations of the Voting Rights Act.
Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, has voiced opposition to the new maps but is unable to veto them. Cooper argues that the maps are historically discriminatory and unfair, considering that North Carolina is over a fifth Black according to U.S. Census data.
The lack of transparency surrounding the redistricting process is also a cause for concern. Communications about the process among state lawmakers are exempt from freedom of information requests, making it difficult for the public to fully understand the decision-making behind the maps. U.S. Representative Deborah K. Ross criticized the move as a “power grab under the cover of darkness.”
The passing of the new maps is just one of several contentious actions taken by Republicans since gaining a veto-proof majority. The legislature has faced lawsuits over voting laws and election boards, further intensifying the political landscape in the state.