GOP Governors Redraw Districts After Supreme Court Weakens Voting Rights Act

Republican governors in Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina are taking steps to redraw congressional districts following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act, potentially altering House representation ahead of November's midterm elections.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey called a special legislative session starting Monday to consider postponing the state's May 19 primary election and potentially adopting a new congressional map with fewer majority-Black districts. The current court-ordered map includes two such districts, both represented by Black Democrats. According to Reuters, Alabama immediately filed emergency motions asking the Supreme Court to allow it to revert to an older map with only one majority-Black district.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a special legislative session beginning Tuesday to 'review' the state's congressional map, stating officials must 'ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters.' Per CBS News, President Trump has urged Lee to redraw the map to give Republicans an advantage. Meanwhile, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster suggested his state legislature should consider a new map in light of the Supreme Court decision.

The redistricting efforts follow the Supreme Court's ruling that struck down a Louisiana congressional map featuring two majority-Black districts, finding it unconstitutional. As reported by PBS, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry postponed the state's May 16 primary to allow lawmakers time to draw a new map. Democratic voters, civil rights groups, and a Democratic House candidate filed lawsuits challenging this decision.

The Supreme Court's decision has amplified national redistricting battles, with Republican officials in several states using it as grounds to redraw voting districts. Florida's Republican-led Legislature approved new U.S. House districts that could help the GOP win up to four additional seats in November. Governor Ron DeSantis called a special legislative session and expressed confidence in the court's ruling.

In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves announced a special legislative session to redraw voting districts for the state Supreme Court following the federal judge's order to redraw districts violating the Voting Rights Act. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stated it is too late to change congressional districts for this year's elections but acknowledged the need to adopt new electoral maps before the 2028 election cycle.