North Carolina’s Republican-led legislature moved closer Tuesday to approving new congressional district maps, part of a nationwide redistricting push led by GOP lawmakers and allies of President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The new maps, which passed the state Senate this week, would give Republicans an 11–3 advantage in North Carolina’s U.S. House delegation, up from the current 10–4 split. The state House is expected to approve the measure soon. Under state law, Democratic Gov. Josh Stein cannot veto redistricting bills, leaving court challenges as the only option for Democrats to contest them.
Republican lawmakers, including State Sen. Ralph Hise, said the new boundaries “answer President Trump’s call” for GOP-controlled states to redraw districts. Duke University mathematician Jonathan Mattingly told The Raleigh News & Observer the new map would “very effectively” lock in an 11–3 outcome “no matter what happens.”
Critics argue the move represents mid-decade gerrymandering aimed at offsetting national Democratic momentum. Similar efforts have advanced in Texas and Missouri. A recent Common Cause poll found 72 percent of independents and 57 percent of Republicans oppose redrawing maps before the next census.
Democrats hope to retake control of the narrowly divided U.S. House in 2026, but analysts say new state maps could make that more difficult.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
