Republicans Advance Redistricting Plans to Strengthen House Majority

The proposal, already approved by the state Senate, redraws district lines in a way that targets Democratic Representative Don Davis’s seat and creates an additional Republican-leaning district in the eastern part of the state.

Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, cannot veto redistricting legislation under state law — meaning the measure is almost certain to move forward.

State Senator Ralph Hise, a Republican and one of the architects of the plan, defended the map as “a fair reflection of how North Carolina actually votes.” Senate leader Phil Berger echoed that view, saying the plan honors voter intent while ensuring that “the people who supported President Trump are properly represented.”

Democrats, however, argue that the move amounts to partisan gerrymandering designed to dilute urban and minority votes. Civil rights groups are already preparing to challenge the map in court, citing constitutional concerns over equal representation.

Democratic Countermoves in California

While Republicans have the advantage in several red states, Democrats are not standing still. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has endorsed a proposed ballot measure that would temporarily suspend the state’s independent redistricting commission.

If approved, the initiative would allow Democratic lawmakers to draw five new Democrat-leaning districts — a dramatic response to what party leaders describe as “coordinated Republican map-rigging” in other parts of the country.

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