Tennessee Republicans have introduced a congressional map that could eliminate the state’s only Democrat seat, following a Supreme Court decision against racial gerrymandering.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Tennessee Republicans have put forward a new congressional map that could secure all nine of the state’s congressional districts for the GOP by eliminating a Democrat-represented district that was gerrymandered in order to create a black voting majority. Governor Bill Lee (R) had called the state legislature into a special session on Friday in to consider redistricting following a Supreme Court ruling against racial gerrymandering. 📰 DETAIL: The proposed map divides the majority-black district in Shelby County, potentially displacing Representative Steve Cohen, and also alters Maury County to favor Republican incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles. This move follows the Supreme Court ruling, related to Louisiana, which found that Democrat-leaning, racially gerrymandered districts that some states were forced to create by the Voting Rights Act are unconstitutional. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “The Supreme Court has opined that redistricting, like the judicial system, should be color-blind,” noted Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton. 🎯 IMPACT: If passed, the map would likely ensure a Republican sweep in Tennessee’s congressional delegation, further solidifying GOP control in the state and handing the party another House member in the November midterms. Similar redistricting efforts are underway in other Southern states, including Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama, following the Supreme Court’s ruling against racial gerrymandering. |
The Supreme Court has opined that redistricting, like the judicial system, should be color-blind. The decision indicated states can redistrict based off partisan politics. Today, Tennessee joins other red and blue states in redrawing their congressional maps. @ltgovmcnally pic.twitter.com/lOeBf5tGMF
— Speaker Cameron Sexton (@CSexton25) May 6, 2026
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