A panel of federal judges recently allowed North Carolina to implement a new congressional map. This map aims to shift the balance of power toward Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The 1st District, currently held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis, has historically been represented by Black members of Congress for over 30 years. The changes reduce the Democratic share of voters from 48% to 44%, according to a CBS News analysis.
The judges denied requests for a preliminary injunction after hearing arguments in mid-November. This ruling also upheld other congressional districts drawn in 2023 that benefited Republicans, resulting in their gaining three additional seats in the House.
North Carolina is one of several states where Republican leaders are redrawing congressional maps without court orders. These changes are part of a broader strategy to maintain Republican control of Congress. Other states like Texas and Missouri are also involved in similar efforts, though some of their new maps face legal challenges.
In contrast, California voters have taken steps to create districts that give Democrats a better chance at winning. Virginia’s Democratic-led legislature is moving toward redistricting as well.
Democrats need to gain just three seats to take control of the House and counter former President Trump’s policies. The North Carolina General Assembly approved the new district changes on October 22, bypassing the need for Governor Josh Stein’s approval.
North Carolina Republican Senate leader Phil Berger defended the changes, saying they counter the activities of “radical left” lawmakers and support Trump’s agenda.
Two lawsuits challenge the new map. One argues that it violates First Amendment rights by targeting the “Black Belt” areas of North Carolina. The second lawsuit claims using outdated Census data for the redrawing infringes on the Constitution’s guarantees of equal representation.
Republican defenders assert that the changes are politically motivated rather than racial. They claim this situation is part of a nationwide partisan push to redraw districts.
Currently, Republicans hold 10 of North Carolina’s 14 House seats. They aim to flip the 1st District and the neighboring 3rd District, where both districts are seen as favorable for Republican candidates.
Recent statistics show that Trump’s popularity in North Carolina remains strong, with him receiving 51% of the popular vote in 2024. The litigation surrounding the new map indicates that the Black voting-age population in the 1st District could drop from 40% to 32% due to the district changes.
Legal challenges to the 2023 map previously alleged that Republicans diluted Black voting power. However, judges dismissed those claims, stating that the plaintiffs did not prove the maps were drawn with discriminatory intent.
As we head into the 2026 elections, the unfolding events in North Carolina reflect broader trends in political strategy and demographics across the U.S. A Pew Research study indicates that racial and ethnic diversity is increasing in America, which could influence future election dynamics.
For more insights and updates on this topic, visit CBS News.
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Redistricting, North Carolina, Donald Trump, Politics
