UPDATE: The North Carolina Elections Committee has just approved a crucial redistricting map proposed by the Republican Party this morning. The Senate is set to vote on the matter later today, and with a firm GOP majority in both the state House and Senate, the chances of this map passing are looking favorable.
North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall revealed the proposed changes last week, asserting that the adjustments are aimed at bolstering support for former President Donald Trump’s agenda. Hall emphasized, “
President Trump earned a clear mandate from the voters of North Carolina and the rest of the country and we intend to defend it by drawing an additional Republican congressional seat.
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The proposed map notably redistricts North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Don Davis. The plan removes the east-central counties of Wayne, Wilson, Greene, and Lenoir, replacing them with several eastern coastal counties, including Carteret and Craven. If the Senate approves the map, it will go to the General Assembly, where the governor will not have the power to veto it.
Currently, North Carolina’s 14 congressional districts are comprised of 10 districts held by Republicans and 4 by Democrats. Prior to this year, the districts were evenly split. However, a reshaping in 2023 allowed Republicans to gain three additional U.S. House seats for the upcoming 2024 elections. Notably, the 1st Congressional District is currently seen as the only competitive district in North Carolina, with Davis having been re-elected in 2024 by a narrow 1.5% margin.
As the Senate prepares to vote this afternoon, all eyes are on Raleigh. The outcome of this vote could significantly shift the political landscape in North Carolina, impacting not only local governance but also the balance of power in Congress. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
