North Carolina is the latest battleground state to redraw its congressional map, a move aimed at boosting Republican chances in next year's midterms. The new map was passed by the North Carolina House on Wednesday, following approval from the state Senate the previous day.
The changes aim to shift Democratic-held House district and make it more favorable to conservatives. Specifically, the map will alter Rep. Don Davis' battleground 1st Congressional District seat to try and make it more winnable for Republicans. The district's shape was altered by adding parts of GOP Rep. Greg Murphy's current 3rd Congressional District.
Democrat Rep. Suzan DelBene criticized the move, saying the new map "was clearly drawn to dilute the voting power of Black voters." She added that Democrats plan to sue immediately over what she called a "morally corrupt" attempt to alter the map.
Republicans in the state argued that the changes reflect the will of North Carolina's voters, who sent President Trump to office three times. However, critics see this as part of a broader Republican push across the country to shift congressional boundaries in favor of their party.
Similar moves have been seen in other states, including Texas and Missouri, where Democrats are fighting back against Republican-led efforts to alter district lines. In North Carolina, which has no Democratic governor but has a competitive statewide electorate, the stakes are high for control of the House in next year's midterms.
With President Trump's allies pushing to boost Republican chances, even small changes in district boundaries could become crucial in shifting the balance of power in Congress. The outcome is far from certain, with some analysts arguing that Democrats could still win back control if they can pick off just a few seats.
The changes aim to shift Democratic-held House district and make it more favorable to conservatives. Specifically, the map will alter Rep. Don Davis' battleground 1st Congressional District seat to try and make it more winnable for Republicans. The district's shape was altered by adding parts of GOP Rep. Greg Murphy's current 3rd Congressional District.
Democrat Rep. Suzan DelBene criticized the move, saying the new map "was clearly drawn to dilute the voting power of Black voters." She added that Democrats plan to sue immediately over what she called a "morally corrupt" attempt to alter the map.
Republicans in the state argued that the changes reflect the will of North Carolina's voters, who sent President Trump to office three times. However, critics see this as part of a broader Republican push across the country to shift congressional boundaries in favor of their party.
Similar moves have been seen in other states, including Texas and Missouri, where Democrats are fighting back against Republican-led efforts to alter district lines. In North Carolina, which has no Democratic governor but has a competitive statewide electorate, the stakes are high for control of the House in next year's midterms.
With President Trump's allies pushing to boost Republican chances, even small changes in district boundaries could become crucial in shifting the balance of power in Congress. The outcome is far from certain, with some analysts arguing that Democrats could still win back control if they can pick off just a few seats.