North Carolina GOP Presses Ahead with Controversial Redistricting Plan

Sat Oct 25 2025 02:36:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Republican legislators in North Carolina are set to finalize a new U.S. House map aimed at strengthening their hold on Congress ahead of the 2026 elections, provoking fierce opposition from Democrats and voting rights advocates.

North Carolina is on the verge of adopting a redistricting plan that would potentially create a safer electoral environment for Republicans by altering congressional boundaries. The plan is viewed as a way to assist GOP candidates and President Trump’s agenda, despite criticisms of racial gerrymandering. The controversial proposal emerged in a legislative environment where Republicans control both chambers and are preparing for a legal fight against expected challenges from Democrats.

RALEIGH, N.C. (PulseWire) — Republican leaders in North Carolina are poised to finalize a contentious redistricting proposal aimed at securing an extra GOP seat in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 elections. The plan has ignited fierce opposition from Democrats and civil rights activists who accuse the Republicans of gerrymandering to dilute the voting power of Black residents.

With debate scheduled in the state House, the GOP is hopeful that the re-drawn boundaries will help undermine the re-election of Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis, who currently represents over 20 northeastern counties. Recently, the state Senate approved the redistricting plan, which aims to ensure Republicans win 11 out of the state's 14 congressional seats—a substantial increase from the current ten.

State Senator Ralph Hise, who contributed to the drawing of the new map, stated, “The purpose of this map was to pick up a Republican seat.” Democratic Gov. Josh Stein is powerless to veto the redistricting, allowing the proposal to move forward following House votes, unless legal challenges from Democrats or voting rights advocates succeed.

The proposed changes have sparked outrage, with critics warning that the alterations constitute a deliberate attempt to erase decades of progress in voting rights for marginalized populations. Davis has condemned the map as “beyond the pale,” highlighting its potential to be viewed as an illegal racial gerrymander. Critics assert that Republicans are acting under Trump’s influence to consolidate power.

During legislative discussions, hundreds of activists protested, accusing GOP legislators of undermining democracy. They emphasized that the new districts would endanger representation for the Black population of North Carolina, known for electing African Americans to Congress since 1992.

As redistricting concludes, North Carolina stands as a pivotal battleground for control of Congress in the 2026 midterms. Both sides are gearing up for a legal battle that could shape electoral dynamics in the years to come.