UPDATE: The North Carolina Elections Committee has just approved the Republican-proposed redistricting map, setting the stage for a crucial vote in the state Senate later today. With a GOP majority in both the House and Senate, the proposed map is likely to pass, reshaping the political landscape in North Carolina.
Officials announced the favorable vote on July 17, 2023, in Raleigh, with Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall promoting the new map as a means to safeguard former President Donald Trump‘s agenda. Hall explicitly stated, “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.”
The proposed changes will impact North Carolina’s 1st congressional district, currently held by Democrat Don Davis. The map removes crucial eastern counties such as Wayne, Wilson, Greene, and Lenoir, replacing them with coastal areas including Carteret and Craven. If approved by the General Assembly, this redistricting plan will bypass the governor’s veto power, effectively solidifying Republican control.
Currently, North Carolina’s congressional delegation consists of 10 Republicans and 4 Democrats. The latest redistricting process, completed earlier this year, has already allowed Republicans to gain three additional U.S. House seats in the 2024 elections. The 1st congressional district is now viewed as the only competitive district in North Carolina, where Davis narrowly secured his seat in the 2024 election by just a 1.5% margin.
As the Senate prepares for its vote later today, all eyes are on North Carolina. The outcome could significantly alter the political dynamics heading into the next election cycle. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
