North Carolina Republicans Redraw congressional Map, Targeting Democratic Rep. Jeff Davis
RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina Republicans on Wednesday finalized a new congressional map widely expected to bolster the party’s chances of gaining a seat in the U.S. House, drawing immediate condemnation from Democrats who vow a legal challenge. The redrawn map significantly alters the 1st District, currently held by Democratic Rep.Jeff Davis, who narrowly won reelection in a district also carried by Donald Trump in 2022.
The legislation passed along party lines, despite protests from hundreds of Democratic and liberal activists who gathered at the state legislative complex this week. Republicans maintain the changes were made to reflect the state’s political leanings,citing Trump’s three victories in North Carolina presidential elections as justification for increased GOP depiction in Congress.
“Under the law and in conjunction with basically listening to the will of the people,” it is appropriate to adjust districts, said Senate leader Phil Berger.
Though, Democrats argue the map is a partisan gerrymander designed to benefit republicans and is racially motivated. Former U.S. attorney General Eric Holder, leading the national Democratic party’s redistricting efforts, stated the map “will be challenged in court.”
Davis, who won his second term by less than 2 percentage points, called the new map “beyond the pale” but intends to run for reelection in 2026, either in the redrawn 1st District or the neighboring 3rd District represented by GOP Rep. Greg Murphy.
The 1st District was one of 13 nationwide where Trump won the presidential vote while a Democrat held the House seat, according to the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, has indicated he would veto the map if he had the authority.
During Wednesday’s debate,General Assembly police removed dozens of protesters from the House gallery who disrupted proceedings. House minority leader Robert Reives warned Republican colleagues they coudl become targets of the same partisan tactics being used against Davis if they deviate from the party line.