The Forward Party has rejected North Carolina’s newly approved congressional redistricting plan, calling it a partisan gerrymander designed to entrench Republican control and weaken moderate representation. The national party said the map, passed by the GOP-led legislature on October 17, “attacks the idea that every vote matters.”

The revised plan shifts the 1st Congressional District, represented by Rep. Don Davis (D) — a Forward Party affiliate — to include more conservative coastal counties while removing several moderate areas. Republicans, who currently hold 10 of 14 House seats, are projected to strengthen their advantage under the new map.

Forward Party CEO Lindsey Williams Drath called the redistricting “an effort to lock in power, not reflect voters,” praising Davis as a “problem-solving” legislator. National Political Director Kayla Berube added, “Legacy parties rig the rules with gerrymandering, closed primaries, and back-room deals. Forward exists to change that.”

The organization reaffirmed support for independent redistricting commissions and open primaries, urging reforms to restore voter choice. Under North Carolina’s Constitution, the governor cannot veto congressional maps, allowing the plan to take effect immediately for the 2026 election cycle.

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