NC Republicans Release Controversial Congressional Map

North Carolina Republicans released a new congressional map that would redraw the 1st and 3rd districts, trading multiple counties and making the 1st notably more favorable to Republicans and less racially diverse. Analyses show the plan would reduce the minority share in the historically majority-Black 1st District by roughly 10 percentage points (from about 49% minority/40% Black to roughly 60% white and 40% minority), prompting accusations it would dilute Black voting strength and likely invite suits under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. GOP lawmakers say the map protects or expands Republican U.S. House control after Trump’s 2024 victory in the state; the Republican-led legislature plans a vote next week and needs only a simple majority. Democrats are preparing responses — Rep. Don Davis is “considering every option,” House Democratic leaders have discussed running him in the reconfigured 3rd District, and groups including the ACLU and NAACP are expected to sue. Gov. Josh Stein condemned the proposal as an abuse of power that takes choice away from voters and said legislators should not redraw maps to advantage one party.