Tennessee Republicans Pass Congressional Map Dividing Majority-Black District
Tennessee became the ninth state to enact a new congressional map following a Supreme Court ruling, with Republicans drawing maps designed to boost GOP representation by dividing the state's lone majority-Black district. The move sparked fierce Democratic opposition and protests.
Redistricting Pushes Forward
Map Approval: Tennessee's Republican-controlled legislature passed a new congressional map that splits the state's only majority-Black district, positioning Republicans to gain a House seat in the midterm elections.
Supreme Court Context: The map was drawn in response to a key Supreme Court decision last week that removed restrictions on mid-decade redistricting.
Democratic Response: Democratic representatives walked off the House floor in protest, with some calling the session a "white-power rally." Protesters chanted outside the chamber as the bill passed.
Racial Justice Concerns: Opponents argued the map deliberately dilutes Black voting power, with some holding signs reading "No Jim Crow 2.0" and "Stop the TN Steal."
Broader Trend: Tennessee is the ninth state to enact new congressional maps, with Republicans having drawn themselves a net of three new GOP-friendly seats so far across multiple states.