North Carolina state lawmakers approved a new congressional map in a move aimed at securing additional Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Senate passed the plan 25-20 along party lines, with the measure now advancing to the House for final approval.
Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, lacks the power to veto the map as Republicans hold supermajorities in both legislative chambers. The proposed redistricting targets the northeast 1st Congressional District, which Republican leaders argue will shift its political balance in favor of their party. This change is seen as critical for maintaining GOP control of the House amid upcoming midterm elections.
Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) framed the effort as essential to preventing Democrats from seizing the majority. “Republicans hold a razor-thin margin in the U.S. House, and if Democrats flip four seats in midterms, they will take control and derail President Trump’s agenda,” he stated.
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the map on social media, claiming it would allow North Carolina to elect another “MAGA Republican” in 2026. He emphasized his support for the redistricting effort, stating it aligns with his “America First Agenda.”
The current congressional delegation includes 10 Republicans and four Democrats. Under the new map, 11 districts would favor Republicans, while three would lean Democratic. State Senate leader Phil Berger defended the plan, noting that North Carolina voters have consistently supported Trump in recent elections.
Republican lawmakers argue the revised boundaries would ensure a GOP victory in the district represented by Rep. Deborah Davis, even in the absence of a major Democratic surge. The map swaps more diverse counties currently under Davis’s purview with conservative-leaning areas represented by Rep. Greg Murphy, though Murphy’s district would remain Republican-leaning but more competitive.
The final approval of the map remains pending, with legislative leaders urging swift action to solidify their electoral strategy.
